Autonephrectomy

/ˌɔːtoʊnɛˈfrɛktəmi/ noun

Definition

The surgical removal of a kidney, typically one that is diseased or non-functional, performed on oneself or an organism's own tissue.

Etymology

From Greek 'autos' (self) + 'nephro' (kidney) + '-ectomy' (surgical removal). A rare medical term combining self-reference with surgical terminology.

Kelly Says

While 'autonephrectomy' technically means self-kidney removal, it's usually performed by surgeons; however, sometimes kidneys naturally shut down and are essentially auto-removed by the body's own rejection.

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