Splenectomy

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, which is an important organ of the human body. The spleen is located on the left side of the upper abdomen, right below the ribcage. The major functions of the spleen include storage and filtration of blood and synthesis of leukocytes (White Blood Cells) that help in fighting against infections. Another important function of the spleen is helping to get rid of aged or damaged erythrocytes (Red Blood Corpuscles), and that is exactly why it is also known as the "Graveyard of RBC".

While it plays an important role in the human body, a ruptured spleen can prove fatal and requires immediate removal. The spleen can get damaged due to various reasons, primarily​ abdominal injury. Other conditions include splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), cancerous situations, blood disorders, sepsis, the presence of benign tumours or cysts, and many others. The abdominal injury can be due to a stab injury or any other traumatic condition.