Which of the following types of surgery involves the total removal of an organ?

Ablative surgery refers to a procedure aimed at removing a diseased or dysfunctional organ or tissue completely. This type of surgery is typically conducted when an organ is no longer functioning properly or when there is a need to eliminate a source of disease, such as cancer. The goal is to excise the affected portion entirely, thereby addressing the underlying medical issue.

In contrast, constructive surgery focuses on repairing or restoring defective organs or tissues, rather than removing them completely. Palliative surgery is performed to alleviate symptoms without aiming for a cure, often in cases where disease is advanced and the patient’s prognosis is poor. Exploratory surgery, on the other hand, is intended to investigate and diagnose a condition rather than to remove an organ or tissue.

Thus, the defining characteristic of ablative surgery is its objective of total organ removal, making it the correct answer in this scenario.