Which procedure would likely involve the placement of tubes in the ears?

The procedure that involves the placement of tubes in the ears is referred to as PE tubes, which stands for pressure equalization tubes. This procedure is commonly performed in children who experience recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear, conditions that can lead to hearing loss and other complications.

PE tubes help to ventilate the middle ear and prevent the accumulation of fluids, thereby alleviating pressure and reducing the frequency of infections. They are inserted through the eardrum during a relatively simple surgical procedure and can be an effective long-term solution for those at risk of developing further ear problems.

The other options refer to different medical procedures unrelated to the placement of tubes in the ears. Eardrum repair focuses on repairing the eardrum itself rather than placing tubes. Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder, and gastric bypass refers to a type of weight-loss surgery. Neither of these procedures involves ear tubes, making PE tubes the correct answer in this context.