Splenectomy: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
- Your child has severe trouble breathing.
- Your child has symptoms of a blood clot in the lung (called a pulmonary embolism). These may include:
- Sudden chest pain.
- Trouble breathing.
- Coughing up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has pain that does not get better after he or she takes pain medicine.
- Your child has loose stitches, or the incision comes open.
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
- Your child is sick to his or her stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- Your child has symptoms of a blood clot in the leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in the leg.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage.
- Your child cannot pass stool or gas.
Watch closely for any changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child has not had a bowel movement after a couple of days.
- Your child does not get better as expected.