The surgical term for the removal of the gallbladder is most closely related to which of the following?

• A. Laparotomy
• B. Cholecystectomy
• C. Appendectomy
• D. Hysterectomy

Answer: (B)

The term "cholecystectomy" specifically refers to the surgical procedure for the removal of the gallbladder. This terminology breaks down into two parts: "chole" meaning bile or gall, and "cyst" referring to a sac or bladder—hence, together they indicate the surgical removal of the gallbladder, an organ involved in the storage of bile.

The other terms listed refer to different surgical procedures. For instance, "laparotomy" is a broad surgical procedure that involves making an incision into the abdominal cavity, but it does not specify the organ being addressed. "Appendectomy" denotes the removal of the appendix, while "hysterectomy" refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. Each of these surgeries targets specific organs and serves different medical purposes, which differentiates them from cholecystectomy. Therefore, the focus on the gallbladder uniquely identifies "cholecystectomy" as the correct answer in this context.