Which procedure involves placing an endotracheal tube in the trachea?

Intubation involves the placement of an endotracheal tube into the trachea to secure a patient's airway, allowing for proper ventilation and oxygenation during medical procedures or in emergencies. This procedure is critical in situations where a patient may be unable to breathe on their own, such as during general anesthesia or in cases of respiratory failure. The endotracheal tube provides a direct airway to the lungs, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide.

Hysterectomy, mastectomy, and laparoscopy are surgical procedures that pertain to different anatomical areas and do not involve the airway. Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, mastectomy involves the removal of breast tissue, and laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to examine and operate on the abdominal or pelvic cavity. None of these procedures involve the insertion of an endotracheal tube, which is why they are not related to the correct choice of intubation.