What is the medical term for the removal of a kidney?

The medical term for the removal of a kidney is nephrectomy. This term is derived from the Greek word "nephros," which means kidney. In surgical practice, nephrectomy is performed when there is a need to remove a diseased or damaged kidney due to conditions such as cancer, severe injury, or chronic kidney disease. This procedure can be done through various techniques, including open surgery or laparoscopic methods, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's expertise.

The other terms listed refer to the removal of different organs: hysterectomy refers to the removal of the uterus, oophorectomy involves the removal of ovaries, and splenectomy is the removal of the spleen. Each of these procedures targets specific organs and is used in distinct medical scenarios, showcasing the diversity of surgical interventions in treating various health conditions.