nephrectomy

Full Definition

Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of kidney tissue, performed as either radical nephrectomy (entire kidney with surrounding fat and adrenal gland) or partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery removing only the tumor and surrounding margin). Indications include renal cell carcinoma, non-functioning kidney, severe trauma, or donor nephrectomy for transplantation. The procedure can be performed through open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted approaches.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish from nephrostomy (drainage procedure) and other nephro- procedures.

In Context

• "Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy was performed for a 4cm renal mass with negative margins." — Operative report
• "The patient underwent radical nephrectomy for T3a clear cell renal carcinoma." — Surgical pathology report