1. An operation to remove the spleen or the excision or extirpation of the spleen.
2. Spleen removal which may be required to remove a diseased or damaged spleen.

In healthy people, the spleen plays a role in immunity against bacterial infections.

The spleen is in the uppermost area of the left side of the abdomen, just under the diaphragm. It typically has attachments to the stomach, left kidney, and colon.