Which procedure involves removing a kidney?

• A. Nephronectomy
• B. Nephroplasty
• C. Nephrologist
• D. Nephrectomy

Answer: (D)

Removing a kidney is described by a term built from nephro- meaning kidney and -ectomy meaning surgical removal. So nephrectomy directly denotes the removal of the kidney. Nephronectomy would imply removing a nephron, the tiny functional unit inside the kidney, not the whole organ. Nephroplasty refers to repair or reconstruction of kidney tissue, not removal. A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney diseases, not a procedure. Thus nephrectomy is the correct term for removing a kidney.