Which procedure involves the surgical removal of the uterus?

The procedure that involves the surgical removal of the uterus is known as a hysterectomy. This operation is performed for various medical reasons, including conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and certain cancers. The hysterectomy can involve removing just the uterus or may also include the removal of surrounding structures such as the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, depending on the underlying health issues being addressed.

Understanding the context of surgical procedures can clarify why hysterectomy is the correct choice here. Other procedures mentioned serve different purposes: herniorrhaphy specifically refers to the surgical repair of a hernia; laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used for various procedures within the abdomen but does not specifically denote the removal of the uterus; and mastectomy involves the surgical removal of breast tissue, typically due to breast cancer. Each of these procedures addresses different medical conditions and does not equate to the removal of the uterus.