Usual acute post-operative care, including supportive care and monitoring for post-operative complications
Specific management required for post-splenectomy patients (see below)
In Victoria, Australia, patients can be placed on a Splenectomy Registry to help ensure appropriate followup
Immunisation (boosted every 5 years)
Pneumococcal
HiB
Meningococcal C
Influenza
Prophylactic antibiotics (advice largely based on data from children with sickle cell anaemia, little evidence in adults)
e.g. amoxicillin
children less than 5 years of age with sickle cell anaemia (functionally asplenic)
at least 3 years following splenectomy (some experts advise no antibiotics in an otherwise well adult)
asplenic patients with severe underlying immunosuppression
at least 6 months after an episode of severe sepsis in asplenic patients
Fever management
must have a prescription for empiric antibiotics ASAP (e.g. amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefuroxime, moxifloxacin, ceftriaxone)
must seek medical attention ASAP
Advice
Asplenic patients should carry a medical alert and an up-to-date vaccination card
Asplenic patients require specific advice on travel as they are at increased risk of severe malaria (mosquitoes) and babeosis (tick bites) in endemic areas
Asplenic patients require specific advice about animal handling as OPSS (due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus) may result from dog, cat or other animal bites