Final answer:
The surgical removal of the kidney is known as a nephrectomy, which is often necessary when kidney function can't be preserved and dialysis or a kidney transplant are considered.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for the surgical removal of the kidney is nephrectomy. This procedure is required when there is severe damage to the kidney or in cases of a disease that cannot be treated by other means. The kidneys are vital organs that are part of the excretory system, closely involved in filtering wastes and excess water from the blood. Nephrology is the medical field that focuses on the kidneys, including their function and diseases. Kidney dialysis is an alternative treatment method that takes over the function of filtering wastes from the blood when the kidneys fail, but for some patients, a nephrectomy and subsequent kidney transplant may be necessary.