Which term refers to the surgical procedure of removing the appendix?

The term that refers to the surgical procedure of removing the appendix is "appendectomy." In medical terminology, suffixes and prefixes play a crucial role in determining the meaning of a word. The prefix "append-" refers to the appendix, while the suffix "-ectomy" comes from the Greek word "ektomē," meaning "cutting out" or "removal." Therefore, appendectomy literally translates to "removal of the appendix," indicating a surgical procedure where the appendix is excised.

In contrast, the other terms have different meanings. "Appendoplasty" refers to a surgical procedure to repair the appendix, which is not the same as removing it. "Appendorrhaphy" involves suturing or stitching an appendix, rather than removing it. An "appendoscope" is an instrument used for examining the appendix and does not pertain to the surgical removal of the appendix. Understanding these distinctions is essential for clarity in medical terminology.