What is the purpose of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

The purpose of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder. This minimally invasive surgical procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as cholelithiasis (gallstones), cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and other gallbladder-related issues. By utilizing small incisions and a camera, surgeons can remove the gallbladder while minimizing recovery time and postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery.

In this context, other options refer to different surgical procedures: repairing an inguinal hernia, removing the appendix, and resecting the sigmoid colon are all distinct operations that target different anatomical issues unrelated to the gallbladder. Each of these procedures has its own specific indications and techniques and does not involve the gallbladder at all. Thus, the laparoscopic cholecystectomy stands out as the procedure explicitly aimed at gallbladder removal.