Which surgical procedure is performed to remove a body part or tissue?

Amputation is the surgical procedure specifically aimed at removing a whole body part, such as a limb or digit. This is often done in cases where the limb is severely damaged, infected, or compromised, making it nonviable for function or health. The procedure is usually a last resort to ensure the patient's overall health and quality of life, preventing further complications from the affected area.

While excision and resection also involve the removal of tissue, they do not typically refer to the removal of an entire body part. Excision generally relates to the removal of a specific mass or lesion, whereas resection pertains to the surgical removal of a portion of an organ or structure, such as a segment of the intestine. Incision, on the other hand, refers to making a surgical cut to access the underlying tissues but does not involve removal itself. Hence, amputation is distinct in that it denotes the complete removal of a body part.