What procedure is performed to remove the spleen?

• A. Laparoscopy
• B. Splenectomy
• C. Appendectomy
• D. Cholecystectomy

Answer: (B)

The procedure performed to remove the spleen is called a splenectomy. This surgical intervention is specifically focused on the spleen, which is an organ involved in immune function and the filtration of blood. Splenectomy may be necessary for various medical reasons, including conditions such as splenic rupture, certain blood disorders, or cancerous conditions affecting the spleen.

Laparoscopy is a technique used for minimally invasive surgeries and may be used to perform a splenectomy, but it is not the specific name of the procedure itself. Appendectomy refers to the removal of the appendix, which is an entirely different procedure aimed at treating appendicitis or other conditions affecting the appendix. Cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder, another distinct surgical procedure unrelated to the spleen. Understanding these definitions clarifies why splenectomy is the correct term for removing the spleen.