Which term means removal of the gallbladder?

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

Answer: (B)

Think about how medical terms are built: chole- refers to the gallbladder, and -ectomy means surgical removal. So cholecystectomy literally means the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This name matches exactly what the term describes. The other terms describe conditions related to the gallbladder rather than the procedure: cholelithiasis is having gallstones, cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, and cervical relates to the cervix, not the gallbladder. A note: removing the gallbladder is a common surgery, often done laparoscopically when stones or infection cause problems.