Spleen in Houston, TX

The spleen is an organ that is located on the left side of the body, just under the rib cage. It acts as a sort of filter for the blood and is responsible for recycling old red blood cells and storing platelets and white blood cells. The spleen is a part of the lymphatic system, which helps fight off bacteria to prevent infections in the body. It also helps monitor the amount of blood that is in the body. Certain diseases and injuries can damage the spleen or cause it to swell or even rupture. Our board-certified colorectal surgeons at Houston Colon and Rectal Surgery are highly trained and experienced in treating a wide variety of spleen disorders and offer several treatments that can restore your health. We invite you to visit one of our locations in North Houston or West Houston, TX to make an appointment with one of our specialists.

The most common signs and symptoms of a spleen disorder include:

• The inability to eat a large meal
• Feeling discomfort or pain in the upper left side
• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Abnormal weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Anemia

Spleen disorders are often the result of liver, blood, and inflammatory diseases, and/or issues with the lymphatic system. These conditions are vast and will require different forms of treatment. Poor or failing function of the spleen can also develop because of bacteria or viral infections, cancer, cirrhosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

There are a number of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options available to address and treat various issues with the spleen. Medications, like antibiotics, are generally used for mild to moderate spleen infections and other medications may be used, depending on the specific disorder that is present. Surgical intervention is typically considered when the spleen is enlarged, or cancerous cells have been detected. In these cases, surgery is recommended to remove the spleen or cancerous tissue. If the spleen is removed, patients can still live a healthy life, but the body may lose some of its ability to fight off infections.

If you suspect that your spleen is enlarged or that you are experiencing other complications that are related to your spleen, call our office today. At Houston Colon and Rectal Surgery, our healthcare professionals are uniquely trained and specialize in colorectal disorders, including poor spleen function. We can assess your condition and identify the underlying cause of your pain to determine the best treatment approach. Contact our office in North Houston or West Houston, TX to schedule an appointment.