What is the purpose of a lymphadenectomy?

The purpose of a lymphadenectomy is to surgically remove lymph nodes that are suspected to be cancerous or have been confirmed to contain cancer. This procedure is often performed to help stage cancer, assess the extent of the disease, and reduce the risk of cancer metastasizing to other parts of the body. By removing these potentially affected lymph nodes, healthcare providers can better determine the appropriate course of treatment for a patient and improve the chances of successful cancer management.

In the context of the other choices, treating an infection typically does not involve a lymphadenectomy, as this procedure is focused on cancerous conditions rather than infections. Examining the gastrointestinal tract is more related to procedures like endoscopy, which is not relevant to the lymphatic system. Performing a bypass around an artery refers to a different type of surgery, usually related to vascular issues, and is unrelated to lymphadenectomy.