Can spleen removal cause elevated white blood cells?
On One Hand: The Spleen Produces White Blood CellsThe spleen is a spongy organ, about the size of a fist, which filters blood and acts as part of the immune system to fight infection, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Encyclopedia. It produces lymphocytes, white blood cells that produce antibodies. Sometimes spleen removal (splenectomy) is the only treatment option if the spleen is severely damaged, ruptures or becomes enlarged (splenomegaly), according to Mayo Clinic.On the Other: Other Organs Produce White Blood Cells As WellWhen the spleen is removed other organs, such as the liver, boost their infection-fighting ability to compensate. Once someone has had their spleen removed, they will always have a slightly elevated white blood cell count, according to Medline Plus.Bottom LineAlthough spleen removal does cause elevated white blood cell count, a person can live comfortably without a spleen, according to Merck Manuals.
