nefrotomía

Nefrotomía is a surgical procedure involving an incision into the kidney. It is typically performed to gain access to the kidney for the removal of kidney stones or other obstructions, or to repair damage to the kidney. The term comes from the Greek words "nephros" meaning kidney and "tomia" meaning cutting.

The procedure is usually carried out under general anesthesia. A flank incision is made to reach the kidney. Once the kidney is exposed, a precise cut is made through the renal parenchyma to access the area of interest. The specific location and depth of the incision depend on the surgical goal, whether it's stone extraction, tumor removal, or addressing other pathologies. After the necessary intervention is completed, the kidney tissue is meticulously closed, often with absorbable sutures, and the abdominal wall layers are repaired.

Nefrotomía can be contrasted with nephrectomy, which is the complete surgical removal of a kidney. It is a more invasive procedure than percutaneous nephrolithotomy, where access to the kidney is gained through a small puncture in the skin and back. While less common in modern urology due to advancements in minimally invasive techniques, nefrotomía remains a valuable option in specific complex cases where other approaches are not feasible or have failed. Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient's health.