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As a part of the body’s lymphatic system, the spleen is responsible for filtering and purifying blood and fighting off bacterial infections. Your spleen can become enlarged, however, and in some cases, it might necessitate surgical intervention. As a trusted general surgery center in Mountain Home, AR, Ozark Surgical Group provides patients with safe and effective surgical procedures all performed by the area’s top professionals. They can also help you determine if your spleen is enlarged and whether you require treatment as a result.

Indigestion After Meals

An enlarged spleen can impact the way you feel after eating. Because of its close proximity to the stomach, the spleen can put pressure on the organ if it’s larger than normal; a regular one ranges from four to eight inches in length. If you feel full after eating only a little bit of food, an enlarged spleen could play a role.

Jaundice

general surgeryYellowing of the skin, also known as jaundice, can occur because of an enlarged spleen. If there is an issue filtering red blood cells, old cells may be cycled back into the liver. As older cells break down, bilirubin can accumulate in the body, which results in a yellowish pigment of the skin. Jaundice can point to some very serious issues and should be assessed by a medical professional immediately.

Pain in the Upper Abdomen

In many instances, pain linked to the spleen will begin in the upper abdomen where the organ is located. This pain can travel, however, and may also be felt in the left shoulder if left untreated. If you experience severe pain in this area, it’s best to undergo a physical exam as soon as possible. Enlarged spleens can occur for many reasons, including liver disease and certain types of cancers. Spleens can also be enlarged due to infection, which would require swift treatment at a general surgery center to ensure the symptoms don’t become worse.

When you’re in search of a general surgery center you can trust, Ozark Surgical Group has a lot to offer. Learn more about these highly skilled surgeons by visiting the website today. If you’d like to speak with someone about setting up a procedure in Mountain Home, feel free to call (870) 425-9120.

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