What type of procedure involves making a small incision in the back to remove a kidney stone?

The procedure that involves making a small incision in the back to remove a kidney stone is known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This minimally invasive surgical technique allows surgeons to access the kidney through a small incision in the back, utilizing imaging guidance to locate and remove the kidney stones effectively. This method is particularly beneficial for larger stones or when traditional methods, such as ureteroscopy, may not be suitable.

In contrast, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a procedure to remove the gallbladder, not the kidney, and involves different anatomical access and techniques. Open nephrectomy involves a larger incision in the abdomen to remove a kidney and generally is more invasive than what is required for stone removal. Cystoscopy is a procedure that examines the bladder and urethra through the urinary tract, often used for diagnosing issues in those areas rather than for the treatment of kidney stones. Thus, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the most appropriate choice for the procedure described.