Definition
Nephrotomy is a surgical incision into the kidney. Think of it as a carefully planned opening to access the inner workings of the kidney π«. It's performed to remove kidney stones, drain an abscess, or explore the kidney for other problems. Unlike a nephrectomy (kidney removal), a nephrotomy aims to preserve the kidney. The incision allows surgeons to directly address issues within the kidney. It is a necessary procedure when less invasive methods are not sufficient.