Splenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen. The spleen plays a role in filtering blood and supporting the immune system. This surgery may be necessary due to various conditions, such as splenic rupture, blood disorders, or tumors. The procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. After a splenectomy, patients may be at increased risk for infections, so doctors often recommend vaccinations and preventive measures to protect against certain illnesses.