When kidney stones bigger than 2 cm are broken up and then removed from the kidney, this procedure is known as what?

The procedure described involves breaking up kidney stones that are larger than 2 cm before their removal. This process is specifically referred to as nephrolithotripsy. This technique typically utilizes sound waves or laser energy to fragment the stones into smaller pieces, which can then be easier to manage and remove.

In the context of kidney stone management, nephrolithotripsy has become a preferred method due to its minimally invasive nature. It allows for effective treatment of larger stones while minimizing the need for extensive surgical intervention. Following this procedure, the smaller fragments can either be naturally passed out of the body or removed through additional means, such as endoscopic techniques.

The distinction between this procedure and others commonly encountered in renal surgery is important. For instance, nephrostomy involves creating an opening in the kidney to allow for drainage, while nephrotomy refers to an incision into the kidney largely for direct access. Nephrolithotomy, on the other hand, is the surgical removal of kidney stones which may not involve breaking up the stones prior to removal. Thus, nephrolithotripsy is accurately aligned with the description of breaking up and then removing the stones, making it the correct choice.