What does a surgical procedure indicated by the term "appendectomy" involve?

The term "appendectomy" specifically refers to the surgical procedure involving the removal of the appendix. This procedure is commonly performed when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, a condition known as appendicitis. During an appendectomy, the surgeon removes the entire appendix to prevent complications such as rupture, which can lead to serious infections in the abdominal cavity.

The choices associated with this question reflect various aspects of medical terminology related to the appendix. However, only the removal of the appendix accurately describes what an appendectomy entails. The other options pertain to different concepts—repairing an appendix is not typically part of appendectomy, creating an opening in the abdomen describes a different surgical approach, and inflammation itself is not a procedural description but rather a pathological condition that may necessitate the procedure. Thus, the definitive action indicated by "appendectomy" is the removal of the appendix.