What is the term for the surgical removal of the tonsils?

The term for the surgical removal of the tonsils is "tonsillectomy." This procedure specifically involves excising the tonsils, which are lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat, and it is commonly performed to treat recurrent tonsillitis or sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils.

The other surgical terms listed refer to different procedures: "appendectomy" is the removal of the appendix, "cholecystectomy" involves the removal of the gallbladder, and "hysterectomy" is the surgical removal of the uterus. Each term is specific to a different anatomical structure and type of surgery, highlighting the importance of accurately matching the surgical term to the correct body part being treated.