What does nephrectomy refer to?

Nephrectomy refers to the surgical removal of a kidney. This procedure can be performed for various reasons, such as the presence of kidney tumors, severe kidney damage, or other kidney-related diseases. The term "nephrectomy" is derived from the Greek word "nephros," meaning kidney, and "ectomy," meaning surgical removal.

Understanding nephrectomy is crucial for surgical assistants, as they may need to assist during this procedure and comprehend the anatomy involved, potential complications, and postoperative care for patients who have undergone the surgery. The other choices refer to different surgical procedures, such as delivering a baby (which is known as a cesarean section or delivery), hernia correction (usually referred to as herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty), and hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus.