Tonsillectomy, appendectomy and splenectomy: sequels and malignant evolution

The excision of secondary lymphoid organs might not be harmless. Although the procedure itself, is less and less performed presently, infectious sequels in total splenectomy might occur and are possibly fatal. Among further complications, thromboembolic and immune alterations should also be expected. The most debatable of consequences, probably associated with an immune adjustment, concerns the development of malignancies. Considering post-splenectomy tumors, discrepancies emerge between their occurrence in humans, and their consequent protective effect in experimental animals. It is recommended that surgeons aspire at preserving as much of lymphoid tissues a feasible, when performing such resections.