nephrectomy
Pronunciation: neh-FRECK-toe-mee
Surgical removal of a kidney, either partial or complete, performed for various medical conditions.
Full Definition
Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of a kidney. In pediatric urology and nephrology, nephrectomy may be indicated for conditions such as severe kidney dysplasia, non-functioning kidney with recurrent infections, renal tumors like Wilms tumor, or traumatic kidney injury. The procedure can be performed as a radical nephrectomy (complete removal including surrounding tissues), simple nephrectomy (kidney only), or partial nephrectomy (removal of only the affected portion). Laparoscopic approaches are increasingly used in pediatric patients when technically feasible.
Usage
Usage note: Specify type (radical, simple, partial) and approach (open, laparoscopic) in surgical documentation.
In Context
- "Left nephrectomy was performed for a non-functioning dysplastic kidney with recurrent UTIs." — Operative report
- "Partial nephrectomy preserved renal function while removing the upper pole tumor." — Surgical consultation