Which surgical procedure involves removing the gallbladder?

The surgical procedure that involves removing the gallbladder is known as cholecystectomy. This procedure is typically performed when a patient experiences gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, known as cholecystitis, which can lead to pain, infection, or other complications.

During a cholecystectomy, the surgeon can perform either a laparoscopic or open approach, with the laparoscopic method being the most common due to its minimally invasive nature and quicker recovery time for the patient.

In contrast, an appendectomy refers to the removal of the appendix, a hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, and a thyroidectomy pertains to the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Each of these surgeries targets different organs and conditions, highlighting the specificity of a cholecystectomy for gallbladder issues.