What does nephrectomy mean?
Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. It may involve removing the entire organ, as in a radical nephrectomy, or only a diseased portion, as in a partial nephrectomy. The procedure is used for conditions including kidney cancer, severe infection, obstruction, and other disorders that cannot be treated successfully while preserving the kidney. Modern techniques may allow nephrectomy to be performed laparoscopically or with other minimally invasive approaches. The term comes from Greek roots meaning “kidney” and “excision” or “cutting out.” It is distinct from nephritis, which names inflammation of the kidney rather than an operation. The word is primarily used in clinical and medical contexts, where the type and purpose of the removal are often specified.
nounThe surgical removal of a kidney. A nephrectomy may remove part of a kidney or the entire organ, depending on the condition being treated.
- The surgical removal of a kidney or part of a kidney.
"The patient underwent a partial nephrectomy to remove a small cancerous tumor while preserving the rest of the kidney."
"A radical nephrectomy was performed to treat advanced renal cancer."
"Living-donor nephrectomy enables a healthy kidney to be transplanted into a recipient."
The plural is nephrectomies.
"Both nephrectomies were completed successfully."
A nephrectomy can remove a kidney while preserving the patient’s health, illustrating how modern surgery balances disease treatment with organ preservation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nephrectomy come from?
Nephrectomy is formed from the Greek nephros, meaning “kidney,” and ektomē, meaning “excision” or “a cutting out,” with the combining form ektomē appearing in the term as -ectomy. The word entered English in medical usage during the 19th century, alongside other terms ending in -ectomy. Its relatives include nephritis and nephrology, which also derive from Greek nephros.
Related word forms
How nephrectomy is actually used
This is a specialist medical term. In surgical contexts, it may refer to removal of the whole kidney, while the precise scope is usually specified by terms such as partial, radical, or donor.
Easily confused with nephrectomy
Nephrectomy is an operation to remove part or all of a kidney, whereas nephritis is inflammation of the kidney, usually caused by disease.