Definition

Noun: - Surgical removal of a kidney: A nephrectomy is a major surgical operation in which one or both kidneys are removed from a patient.

Usage

The term "nephrectomy" is used exclusively in medical contexts. It specifies the type of surgical procedure. It is typically modified by adjectives indicating the reason for, extent of, or technique used in the surgery. - A doctor will recommend a nephrectomy to treat certain conditions like kidney cancer, severe trauma, or a non-functioning kidney. - The patient is scheduled for a radical nephrectomy next week.

Examples

• The tumor was too large, so a complete nephrectomy was necessary.
• Advances in minimally invasive techniques have made laparoscopic nephrectomy a common procedure.
• After the nephrectomy, the patient's remaining kidney compensated for the loss.

Advanced Usage

• Partial nephrectomy: A surgery where only the diseased part of the kidney is removed, preserving the healthy tissue.
• Radical nephrectomy: The removal of an entire kidney along with its surrounding fatty tissue, the adrenal gland, and nearby lymph nodes.
• Laparoscopic nephrectomy: A minimally invasive procedure where the kidney is removed using small incisions and a camera.
• Donor nephrectomy: The surgical removal of a healthy kidney from a living person for the purpose of transplantation.

Variants and Related Words

• Nephrectomize (verb): To perform a nephrectomy on (a patient or kidney). (This is a technical verb form derived from the noun.)
• Nephrology (noun): The branch of medicine that deals with the physiology and diseases of the kidneys.
• Nephropathy (noun): Disease or damage to the kidney.

Synonyms

• Kidney removal: A direct, non-technical synonym.
• Renal excision: A more formal medical term using "renal" (relating to the kidneys) and "excision" (surgical removal).

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "nephrectomy" is strictly surgical. It does not refer to kidney failure or disease itself, but specifically to the operative procedure to remove the organ. The word is neutral and describes the action, not the condition requiring it.

Noun

1. surgical removal of a kidney