Final answer:
A surgical technologist would expect to use cottonwoods during a lumbar laminectomy which is a neurosurgical procedure, whereas the other procedures listed are more related to general surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cottonwoods are typically used in neurosurgical procedures to protect delicate neural structures and absorb excess blood or fluid. Considering the procedures listed, a surgical technologist would expect to use cottonwoods most likely during a lumbar laminectomy. A lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of part of the vertebral bone called the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure is closely associated with the spine and the nervous system where cottonwoods are utilized to protect the spinal cord and nerves.
On the other hand, an abdominal hysterectomy, abdominal perineal resection, and open cholecystectomy are more oriented towards general surgery, where cottonwoods are not commonly used. Therefore, the correct answer would be C. lumbar laminectomy.