Nephrectomy – Kidney Removal Surgery
What is Nephrectomy?
Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of a kidney. It is commonly performed to treat kidney cancer, severe kidney damage, or non-functioning kidneys. The procedure can be done as:
- Radical Nephrectomy – Complete removal of the kidney, often with the adrenal gland, surrounding tissue, and nearby lymph nodes (if cancer is present).
- Partial Nephrectomy – Only the diseased or damaged portion of the kidney is removed, preserving healthy kidney tissue.
- Simple Nephrectomy – Entire kidney is removed without additional tissues, usually for non-cancerous conditions.
When is Nephrectomy Needed?
A nephrectomy may be recommended for:- Kidney cancer or tumors
- Non-functioning or severely damaged kidney
- Chronic kidney infections or obstruction
- Injury or trauma to the kidney
- Large cysts or congenital abnormalities
- Living kidney donation (in healthy donors)
Types of Nephrectomy Techniques
- Open Nephrectomy
- Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
- Robotic-Assisted Nephrectomy
– Traditional surgery with a larger incision.
– Minimally invasive approach using small incisions and a camera.
– High precision surgery using robotic instruments for better outcomes and quicker recovery.
How the Procedure is performed
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Duration: 2–4 hours depending on the complexity
- In radical cases, the surgeon removes the entire kidney along with surrounding tissue
- Nearby lymph nodes may be removed for cancer stagingv
- The remaining kidney takes over the function of filtering blood and producing urine
Recovery after Nephrectomy
- Hospital stay: 2–5 days (longer for open surgery)
- Full recovery: 4–6 weeks
- Gradual return to regular diet and daily activities
- Hydration and kidney health monitoring are essential post-surgery
- Pain management and antibiotics as needed
Potential Risks and Complications
- Bleeding or infection
- Injury to nearby organs (bowel, blood vessels)v
- Hernia or wound complications
- Decreased kidney function (especially in patients with existing kidney issues)
- Blood clots or pneumonia (rare)
Living with One Kidney
- Most people live healthy, active lives with one kidney
- Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood and urine tests
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular exercise, and controlled blood pressure
Why Choose Dr. Harish NL for Nephrectomy?
- Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery Expertise
- Personalized Cancer & Kidney Care
- Modern Operating Suites & Post-Surgical Monitoring
- Compassionate, Patient-Centered Approach