Which surgical procedure involves the removal of the spleen?

The procedure that involves the removal of the spleen is known as splenectomy. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, and it plays various roles, including filtering blood, recycling iron, and contributing to immune function. A splenectomy may be performed for several reasons, such as treating conditions like splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), hematologic diseases, certain cancers, or trauma.

Understanding this procedure within the context of its focus on the spleen is important, as it distinguishes it from other surgical procedures that involve different organs. For instance, cholecystectomy is related to the gallbladder, nephrectomy involves the kidneys, and hysterectomy pertains to the uterus. Each of these procedures targets specific organs for removal or treatment, underscoring the significance of knowing the functions and locations of various organs in relation to surgical interventions.