Which term denotes the surgical removal of the gallbladder?

• A. Cholelithiasis
• B. Cholecystitis
• C. Cholecystectomy
• D. Chondromalacia

Answer: (C)

Surgical removal of the gallbladder is called cholecystectomy. The word parts help explain why: chole- refers to bile or the gallbladder, cysto- means bladder, and -ectomy denotes surgical removal. Put together, the term literally means removing the gallbladder. Other terms refer to different things: cholelithiasis means gallstones, cholecystitis means inflammation of the gallbladder, and chondromalacia means softening of cartilage, which is unrelated to the biliary system. In practice, the procedure is commonly done to treat gallstones or gallbladder disease, often via a laparoscopic approach called laparoscopic cholecystectomy.