What is the term for a surgical incision made into the tympanic membrane?

The term for a surgical incision made into the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum, is myringotomy. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pressure caused by the excessive buildup of fluid or pus in the middle ear. It may also be used to facilitate the drainage of infected fluid and to insert ear tubes for chronic ear infections.

The other terms listed refer to different surgical procedures unrelated to the tympanic membrane. Cholecystectomy refers to the surgical removal of the gallbladder, appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, and laparotomy is a surgical procedure involving an incision into the abdominal cavity. Therefore, myringotomy is the correct answer as it specifically pertains to the tympanic membrane.