What type of surgical procedure is performed with the intention to relieve symptoms rather than cure a condition?

The correct choice is the type of surgical procedure known as palliative. This type of surgery is specifically designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients, especially when they are dealing with serious or terminal illnesses. The main goal of palliative surgery is to alleviate suffering caused by conditions that may not be curable, such as advanced cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

For instance, a palliative procedure may involve removing a tumor that is causing pain or obstructing normal bodily function, even if the underlying disease remains untreated. It aims to provide comfort and support rather than eliminate the illness itself.

In contrast, curative procedures are intended to completely resolve a medical condition, cosmetic surgeries focus on improving appearance without addressing underlying health concerns, and diagnostic surgeries are performed to obtain information about a condition rather than to treat it. Each of these has distinct purposes that differentiate them from palliative procedures.