What is the surgical removal of a kidney called?

The surgical removal of a kidney is called nephrectomy. This procedure can be performed for various medical reasons, including kidney cancer, severe kidney damage, or the presence of tumors. Nephrectomy can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the patient's condition and the specifics of the case. The term itself derives from the Greek words "nephros," meaning kidney, and "ectomy," meaning removal.

In contrast, laparotomy refers to a surgical procedure involving an incision into the abdominal cavity for diagnostic purposes or to perform major surgery, but it does not specifically involve the removal of a kidney. Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, and cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder. Each of these procedures is specific to different organs and conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding terminology in medical practice.