is a specific kind of: operation, surgery, surgical operation, surgical procedure, surgical process.

is a broader term that covers: adenoidectomy | adrenalectomy, suprarenalectomy | appendectomy, appendicectomy | cholecystectomy | clitoridectomy, female circumcision | embolectomy | endarterectomy | enervation | hypophysectomy | hysterectomy | laminectomy | laryngectomy | lithotomy | lobectomy | lumpectomy | mastectomy | mastoidectomy | meniscectomy | nephrectomy | neurectomy | oophorectomy, ovariectomy | oophorosalpingectomy | ophthalmectomy | orchidectomy, orchiectomy | pancreatectomy | pneumonectomy | prostatectomy | salpingectomy | septectomy | sigmoidectomy | splenectomy | stapedectomy | sympathectomy | thrombectomy | thyroidectomy | tonsillectomy | vasectomy | vulvectomy ... show more.

derivation: extirpate | ablate | excise.