Which surgical procedure refers to the removal of the gallbladder?

The surgical procedure for the removal of the gallbladder is known as a cholecystectomy. This operation is typically performed to treat gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions. During the cholecystectomy, the surgeon removes the gallbladder, which is a small organ that stores bile produced by the liver. This procedure can be done laparoscopically, using small incisions and a camera, or through open surgery, depending on the case's complexity and the surgeon's assessment.

Other surgeries in the context of the choices provided involve different organs and procedures. A carotid endarterectomy involves the removal of plaque from the carotid arteries in the neck to prevent stroke. A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus, and a mastectomy is the removal of one or both breasts, typically to treat or prevent breast cancer. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why cholecystectomy is the correct choice for the described action of gallbladder removal.