Is it safe to scuba dive without a spleen?

Posted by jpcowalker @jpcowalker, Nov 18, 2023

I thought I would throw this question out to see if anyone has already received an answer from their doctor.
I'm wondering if it is safe to scuba dive without a spleen? My spleen was removed just over a year ago so I am as recovered as I'm going to get. Thank you in advance.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 25, 2023

@jpcowalker Welcome to Mayo Connect - I see you have been waiting a few days for a response. Sometimes questions can be so specific or unusual that there is no one here with the experience to answer you.

I think perhaps that is what is happening here. As the wife of a retired diving instructor, let me suggest that you get a reliable answer to your question from someone familiar with the unique requirements for diving. The certification organizations each have a medical advisor. Contact either PADI or NAUI, and ask them to put you in touch with a doctor who has expertise in dealing divers and their health issues. Or check out the Divers Alert Network Health & Safety page:

Have you tried either of those avenues?
Sue

samcal9977zz | @samcal9977zz | Feb 13, 2024

Response above sounds spot on.

I would absolutely not scuba dive again, unless you get a direct clearance from a doctor.

jpcowalker | @jpcowalker | Feb 13, 2024

Thank you

fergie01 | @fergie01 | Apr 15 9:57am

I haven’t had a spleen for 17 years. I don’t scuba dive so all I can offer is in my experience living without a spleen, I don’t know of anything I’m not supposed to do except being around sick people or getting infections. I even worked as a nurse without it. Definitely do your due diligence before doing it though. Good luck!