Dr. Lee surgically removed a portion of the lung. This procedure is known as a/an:

• A. appendectomy
• B. nephrectomy
• C. gastrectomy
• D. lobectomy

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the terminology used in the question. The suffix '-ectomy' refers to the surgical removal of a specific organ or tissue.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided. Each term combines a prefix (indicating the organ or tissue) with the suffix '-ectomy'. For example, 'appendectomy' refers to the removal of the appendix, 'nephrectomy' refers to the removal of a kidney, and 'gastrectomy' refers to the removal of part or all of the stomach.
3. Step 3: Focus on the term 'lobectomy'. The prefix 'lobe-' refers to a lobe, which is a section of an organ. In the context of the lungs, a lobectomy refers to the surgical removal of one of the lobes of the lung.
4. Step 4: Relate the term 'lobectomy' to the scenario described in the question. Since Dr. Lee removed a portion of the lung, this procedure aligns with the definition of a lobectomy.
5. Step 5: Confirm your understanding by reviewing the anatomical structure of the lungs, which are divided into lobes (three on the right and two on the left). Surgical removal of one of these lobes is specifically termed a lobectomy.