What surgical procedure is performed to remove bladder stones?

The surgical procedure performed to remove bladder stones is known as cystolithotomy. During a cystolithotomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the bladder to access and remove stones that may have formed due to various factors, including concentrated urine or urinary retention. This procedure is specifically designed to address bladder stones, making it the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

In contrast, nephrectomy refers to the surgical removal of a kidney and is unrelated to bladder stones. Cystoscopy involves using a cystoscope to visualize and sometimes treat bladder conditions, but it is generally a less invasive approach that may not involve direct removal of larger stones. Urethrotomy is a procedure to make an incision in the urethra, primarily used to alleviate strictures or blockages, and is not aimed at addressing bladder stones directly. Therefore, among the options, cystolithotomy is definitively the correct procedure for the removal of bladder stones.