Which medical term refers to the surgical removal of the gallbladder?

The surgical removal of the gallbladder is termed cholecystectomy. This procedure involves removing the gallbladder, which is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid. Cholecystectomy is often performed when a patient has gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, conditions that can lead to pain or infection.

Understanding this term is essential, as it is frequently encountered in medical settings, especially related to digestive health. The other terms provided refer to different surgical procedures: herniorrhaphy involves repairing a hernia; splenectomy is the removal of the spleen; and appendectomy pertains to the removal of the appendix. Each of these procedures addresses different medical issues, making cholecystectomy distinct in its focus on the gallbladder.