Lithectomy vs. Lithotomy — What's the Difference?

Excision of a calculus.

Lithotomy from Greek for "lithos" (stone) and "tomos" (cut), is a surgical method for removal of calculi, stones formed inside certain organs, such as the urinary tract (kidney stones), bladder (bladder stones), and gallbladder (gallstones), that cannot exit naturally through the urinary system or biliary tract. The procedure is usually performed by means of a surgical incision (therefore invasive).

Surgical removal of a stone or stones from the urinary tract.

A surgical method for removal of calculi, such as kidney stones and gallstones.

The operation, art, or practice of cutting for stone in the bladder.

Surgical removal of a stone (calculus)