What surgical procedure involves the removal of the palatine tonsils?

The surgical procedure that involves the removal of the palatine tonsils is known as a tonsillectomy. This procedure specifically targets the palatine tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat, and is commonly performed to address issues such as recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive sleep apnea.

In contrast to other options, tonsillotomy refers to a partial removal of the tonsils rather than their complete excision. Bronchoscopy is a procedure that examines the airways, making it unrelated to tonsil removal. Pharyngotomy involves an incision into the pharynx, which does not specifically pertain to the tonsils themselves. Thus, tonsillectomy is the accurate term for the complete removal of the palatine tonsils, clarifying why this choice is correct.