Which surgical procedure involves the removal of a rib?

The surgical procedure that involves the removal of a rib is known as costectomy. This term is derived from the Latin word "costa," which means rib. Costectomy is often performed for reasons such as to gain access to the thoracic cavity during surgeries addressing lung issues, tumors, or other conditions affecting the chest area.

In contrast, the other procedures listed are associated with different anatomical structures and conditions. Tonsillectomy refers to the removal of the tonsils, appendectomy is the removal of the appendix, and thyroidectomy involves the excision of part or all of the thyroid gland. Each of these terms indicates a specific, unrelated surgical procedure, highlighting the importance of understanding anatomical terminology when discussing medical interventions.