What is the main purpose of performing an endarterectomy?

The primary purpose of performing an endarterectomy is to excise plaque from an artery. This surgical procedure is specifically aimed at removing atherosclerotic plaque that has built up in the inner lining of an artery, which can narrow the vessel and reduce blood flow. By clearing the plaque, endarterectomy helps to restore adequate blood circulation to affected tissues, thus lowering the risk of serious complications such as heart attack or stroke.

In contrast, removing the gall bladder is a procedure known as cholecystectomy, which is unrelated to vascular conditions. Obtaining fragments of the endocervix pertains to cervical biopsies for diagnostic purposes, not addressing arterial blockages. Similarly, excising the tail of the pancreas refers to pancreatic surgery, which has no connection to vascular plaque removal. Therefore, endarterectomy is uniquely focused on addressing issues related to arterial plaque accumulation, distinguishing it clearly from the other options provided.