The spleen is a soft fleshy organ in the upper left abdomen that is involved in the formation and cleansing of blood.  It may need to be removed if it becomes enlarged, has a tumour or cyst, or in the presence of certain blood disorders, the most common of which results in abnormal destruction of platelets (ITP).  This causes abnormal bruising and bleeding.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy involves freeing the spleen from its attachments and removing it through a small abdominal incision, usually within a surgical plastic retrieval bag.