Nephrectomy is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure in which one or both of the kidneys are removed. The term comes from the Greek words "nephros", meaning kidney, and "ektomē", meaning removal. It is pronounced as ne-frek-tuh-mee, with the first syllable being stressed. The "ph" combination in the middle of the word is used as an "f" sound, while the "ct" combination is a blend of the "k" and "t" sounds. The "o" in "ectomy" is pronounced as a short "e" sound.
Nephrectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of one or both kidneys. The term is derived from the Greek words "nephros," meaning kidney, and "ektomē," meaning cutting out. This surgical intervention is typically performed by urologists or transplant surgeons, and it can be done through various techniques, such as open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopy.
Nephrectomy is commonly performed for various reasons, including the treatment of kidney diseases like renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer), kidney stones, polycystic kidney disease, or severe kidney damage. It may also be required in the case of a living kidney donor who willingly donates one of their kidneys to a recipient in need of a kidney transplant.
The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, and the surgeon removes the kidney while taking necessary precautions to safeguard surrounding blood vessels and tissues. After the nephrectomy, the remaining kidney takes over the filtration and excretion functions, ensuring that the body can maintain its metabolic balance and eliminate waste effectively.
The recovery period following nephrectomy can vary depending on the individual and the surgical approach used. Patients usually need monitoring and supportive care after the surgery to aid in pain management, prevent complications, and ensure proper kidney function. With advances in surgical techniques and postoperative care, nephrectomy has become a relatively safe and effective procedure for treating kidney-related conditions.
The operation of removing a kidney.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "nephrectomy" originates from the combination of two Greek terms. "Nephros" means "kidney", and "ektomē" means "excision" or "removal". Therefore, the term "nephrectomy" means the surgical removal or excision of a kidney.