relative risks from infection
Last reviewed 01/2018
The risk of severe infection following splenectomy is low - about 0.4% per year. This is 12 times the risk of the general population.
Subgroups of asplenic patients have variable risks:
- splenectomy following trauma has a better prognosis
- the risk is 25 times baseline in patients with malignant disease
- the risk is 50 times baseline in children
The risk is greatest during the first two years following splenectomy but asplenic patients are susceptible for life.