Hello,
Vaccination against pneumococcal organisms and H influenzae type b are essential in postsplenectomy patients. A conjugated-C meningococcus & Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccinations is given for those who did not receive this vaccine earlier.
The Pneumococcal vaccine is repeated every six years, while each year (winter) influenza vaccine is given.
Splenectomy results in marked improvement in symptoms of patients with spherocytosis and is curative in most of the cases. However, in the uncommon autonomic recessive variant of HS mild form of haemolysis may occur that results in mild elevation in billirubin.
Post
cholecystectomy complications and exclusion of bile duct obstruction should be done to exclude obstructive
jaundice. US of the abdomen may be an initial helpful test.
Your observation that increase in the yellowish coloration of the sclera occurs after
constipation needs to be confirmed by lab tests and it could be just a coincidence.
You may notice increase in the
bilirubin level by deepening of the yellowish discoloration, the presence of dark urine or changes in the colour of the stool based on the type of
jaundice.
It would be more helpful if you can inform us about the exact
bilirubin level in the last tests and its two main forms (direct, indirect).
CBC and blood smear would be of help to exclude haemolysis. Yellowish discoloration of skin and sclera usually occurs when
bilirubin is 2 or more. Liver enzymes and
hepatitis markers may be needed.
I advise you to follow up with your doctor and to discuss with him all your concerns.
Please keep us updated.
Best regards.
This answer does not substitute for direct medical consultation.
Dr. Safaa Mahmoud.
MB BCh, MSc Internal Medicine. MD Medical Oncology.
PhD Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Science.
