Which term refers to the surgical removal of a kidney?

• A. Nephrolysis
• B. Nephology
• C. Nephogram
• D. Nephrectomy

Answer: (D)

Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. The word breaks down into nephr/o meaning kidney and -ectomy meaning surgical removal, which is why this term fits the procedure described.

The other terms use different endings that point to other ideas: nephrolysis means freeing or loosening the kidney from adhesions (not removing it); nephology is the study of kidneys; nephogram is an image or recording of the kidney. So nephrectomy is the correct term for the procedure that removes the kidney.