What is the medical term for the removal of the gallbladder?

The removal of the gallbladder is referred to as cholecystectomy. This term is derived from the Greek words "chole," meaning bile, and "cyst," meaning bladder, paired with "ectomy," which indicates a surgical removal. This procedure is commonly performed when a patient is experiencing issues such as gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, thus removing the organ can alleviate pain and improve health outcomes.

In contrast, herniorrhaphy involves the surgical repair of a hernia, gastrectomy refers to the removal of a part or the entirety of the stomach, and nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. Each of these terms pertains to different procedures and organs, further highlighting why cholecystectomy is specifically the correct term for gallbladder removal.