Splenectomy part of distal pancreatectomy

Hi @anne7573217 - I can share with you that I had a total pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and all of the trimmings about 6 years ago. I had a similar concern at the time, and now just follow the recommended vaccination schedules - pneumonia, RSV, Flu, Covid, etc and have not experienced any serious illnesses as a result. My primary surgeon also indicated that the spleen is more important in younger children during the development years and not as much in adults. I think you're right to be concerned given your exposure in public spaces so I would try to practice good hygiene and vaccinations to avoid complications. Hang in there and let us know how we can help!

- Matt

I had similar surgery December 2022. I am a real estate advisor so with people ALL the time. Remember the Covid season…it was one of my busiest times!!

I got a brief round of Covid which was handled by paxlovid. Other than that, never sick. They order a round of vaccines after the surgery.

Good hygiene, healthy foods, lots of fresh air. And a few vitamin supplements. I’m healthy except for this stinking cancer!😊. Don’t be afraid.

I’m hopefully going to have a distal a removal of my spleen soon. Problem is I don’t do vaccines and haven’t in a long time. But besides this cancer I always been pretty healthy. Guess we will see

Hi @anne7573217 I had a splenectomy 50 yrs ago, around age 24. I have never had any issues living without a spleen. I was told that once past your mid-twenties, the spleen is not so important anymore. I am now diagnosed with early-stage adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, and they have found that the cancer has encased the splenic artery. Again, since I don't have a spleen, that shouldn't prohibit a distal pancreatectomy. I am praying I qualify for surgery without prior chemo...
Good luck to you!

I am praying for you as well. Thank you so much for the reassurance!

Thank you gamaryanne! I can't imagine not being able to circulate within my people centric activities and you have given me hope. I can do this!

Thank you Matt, I appreciate the reassurance and support from people who have experienced this!

Well if I had to do it again, I'd for sure do the splenectomy! I was told it was usual for it to come out with the pancreas....half of mine had to come out and the doctor said that's typical to take the spleen too. I could not fathom removing an entire perfectly good organ that had zero concerns. So he obliged and kept the spleen. Well had I did more research...asked better questions...doctor explained more ( tho I know my mind might not have been changed)...I would have had it removed. It infarcted while in hospital. Sent my white blood cells up and had to stay in hospital for another week while I had a whack of antibiotics by IV. Lucky I got out for my daughter's baby shower at MY house and back to hospital! lol I wanted to avoid the 4 vaccines they said I'd have to have as well with no spleen. I'm a believer of vaccines but why take what's not needed if I can. So the doctor obliged and the spleen was not happy. Now it's liquifying and absolutely no use to me. And I had to have the vaccines after all. So hindsight for me....I would have had my spleen removed! All this happened this past April so I haven't had long to see if I get very sick but I have not changed a thing I've done because of it and I've been completely fine besides some digestive issues unrelated to the spleen. That is all I can tell you....you'll have to decide. I honestly am not sure I could have been convinced not to do it..... It was a perfectly good organ is all I could think and doc said he could keep it. Why not? lol. Now I know why not..... All the best.

Btw-sometimes “good organs” are removed because they are most likely to see Mets. My gallbladder is gone too. No problems.
Ask your doctor for the vaccine list. There is nothing new on it.
No new MRNA vaccines.

Hi Anne
Similar to other experiences here, I had my spleen and other organs removed along with a distal pancreatectomy. That was in Sept. 2021 at 64 years old. Have not had any infections including never had COVID.
The surgeon said it was necessary because the splenic artery and vein run along the spleen.
Take out the tail of the pancreas and you'll cut off or compromise the critical blood supply to the spleen.
Good luck.