What is the term for the surgical removal of a kidney stone?

The term for the surgical removal of a kidney stone is nephrolithotomy. This procedure specifically involves the incision into the kidney to remove stones that have formed within it. The prefix "nephro-" refers to the kidney, while "lithotomy" literally translates to the removal of stones.

This procedure can be necessary when stones are too large to pass on their own or when they cause significant pain or blockage in the urinary tract. Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare professionals as it directly relates to conditions that affect renal health and the management of kidney stones.

Other surgical terms, such as nephrectomy, refer to the removal of a kidney itself, and ureterolithotomy pertains to the removal of a stone from the ureter, not the kidney directly. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used for a variety of procedures, but it does not specifically denote the removal of kidney stones. Recognizing these distinctions helps in accurately communicating about urological procedures.