Which procedure involves the removal of the spleen?

The procedure that involves the removal of the spleen is known as splenectomy. This surgical intervention is typically performed for various medical reasons, including trauma to the spleen, hematologic conditions, or splenic tumors. The spleen plays a critical role in filtering blood and supporting the immune system, so its removal can have significant implications for a patient’s health, necessitating careful consideration before the procedure.

In contrast, cholecystectomy refers to the removal of the gallbladder, laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity often used for exploratory purposes, and nephrectomy involves the removal of a kidney. Each of these procedures targets different organs and has distinct indications, which further emphasizes why splenectomy is specifically linked to the spleen.