A surgical procedure in which the amygdala (an almond-shaped brain structure) is partially or completely removed.
From Greek amygdalē (almond) plus -ectomy from Greek ektomē meaning 'cutting out' or 'excision'. The combining form -ectomy is used in medical terminology to indicate surgical removal of any organ or structure.
In the 1950s-70s, some doctors performed amygdalectomies on violent patients hoping to reduce aggression, but it often left them emotionally blank and unable to feel fear—a dark chapter showing how neuroscience was once used like a crude hammer instead of understanding the delicate circuits of the brain.
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