What is the proper term for the surgical removal of the gallbladder?

The proper term for the surgical removal of the gallbladder is "cholecystectomy." This term derives from the Greek words "chole," meaning bile, and "cystis," meaning bladder. A cholecystectomy can be performed laparoscopically or through an open surgical approach, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's preference. This procedure is commonly indicated for conditions such as gallstones or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).

The other options represent different surgical procedures unrelated to the gallbladder. An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, and a gallbladderotomy is not a recognized medical term for the removal of the gallbladder and does not accurately describe the procedure. Understanding these specific medical terms is essential for accurately communicating about surgical procedures.