What procedure is performed to remove the appendix?

• A. Cholecystectomy
• B. Appendectomy
• C. Mastectomy
• D. Coronary artery bypass graft

Answer: (B)

The procedure performed to remove the appendix is known as an appendectomy. This surgical intervention is typically indicated for patients diagnosed with appendicitis, which is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendectomies can be performed as open surgeries or laparoscopically, depending on the specific situation and the surgeon's approach.

The primary goal of the appendectomy is to eliminate the inflamed appendix to prevent complications such as rupture, which can lead to peritonitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. By removing the appendix, the source of pain and potential infection is addressed effectively.

In contrast, a cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder, a mastectomy is performed to remove breast tissue, often in the treatment of breast cancer, and a coronary artery bypass graft is a procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked arteries. Each of these procedures has distinct indications and anatomical targets, differentiating them from an appendectomy.