splenectomy

[ spli-nek-tuh-mee ]

noun

, Surgery.

, plural sple·nec·to·mies.

1. excision or removal of the spleen.

splenectomy

/ splɪˈnɛktəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical removal of the spleen

Word History and Origins

Origin of splenectomy¹

First recorded in 1855–60; splen- + -ectomy

Example Sentences

One patient, Mariah Jacqueline Scott, 32, who lives in Highland Park, N.J., has had two hip replacements, two shoulder replacements, a splenectomy, a gall bladder removal and a tonsillectomy because of the disease.

From New York Times

“People carried him by hand for more than 1 kilometer. We did a splenectomy and he has a bowel injury. We hope he will make it,” he said.

From Washington Post

Our rescue hound takes prescription medications to manage an autoimmune skin disease triggered by a May splenectomy.

From Washington Post

I've had my scar for 47 years, in the same place as Mr. Petrow's but mine is from an exploratory laparotomy plus splenectomy.

From New York Times

He did not have a regular ­primary-care doctor, and other than having had a splenectomy 35 years earlier after an auto accident, he was healthy.

From Washington Post