Treatment

Nephrectomy

Overview

Nephrectomy is a type of surgery that involves the removal of a kidney. It is typically performed when one or both kidneys are damaged, diseased or not functioning properly. The surgery may be partial where only part of the kidney is removed or radical where the entire kidney is taken out. A nephrectomy is often necessary for treating kidney tumors, severe kidney disease or complications that affect the kidneys’ ability to function.

Why Nephrectomy Treatment is Required?

Nephrectomy treatment is often required when:

• Kidney disease or damage that affects the kidney’s ability to function.
• Kidney cancer or a kidney tumor that requires removal.
• Chronic kidney problems that lead to the failure of the organ.
• Infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics.
• Trauma or injury that causes irreparable damage to the kidney.

Key Advantages of Nephrectomy Treatment

• Improves kidney function: Nephrectomy surgery removes the affected kidney allowing the healthy kidney to function better.
• Cancer treatment: When a kidney tumor is removed it helps in controlling and preventing cancer from spreading.
• Relieves pain and discomfort: Removing a diseased or damaged kidney can provide relief from chronic pain.
• Restores quality of life: After surgery many patients experience a better quality of life with improved kidney function.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Nephrectomy Treatment?

Before the surgery, your doctor will guide you through the preparation process. Such as:

• Pre surgery tests: Blood tests, urine tests and imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to evaluate kidney health.
• Medication adjustment: You may need to stop taking certain medications like blood thinners.
• Fasting: You will be asked to avoid food and drink for several hours before the surgery.
• Arranging support: It is advisable to arrange for someone to help you at home after the procedure.

How Nephrectomy Treatment is Performed?

There are two main types of nephrectomy procedures:

• Radical Nephrectomy: The entire kidney and surrounding tissue, including the adrenal gland are removed.
• Partial Nephrectomy: Only the diseased or damaged part of the kidney is removed, leaving the rest intact.
• The surgery can be performed in two ways:
• Open surgery involves a larger incision to access the kidney.
• Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a minimally invasive technique with smaller incisions.

What You Can Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure?

• Before the Procedure: You will undergo a physical examination and tests to prepare for the surgery. Anesthesia will be administered before the surgery begins.
• During the Procedure: You will be asleep under general anesthesia. Depending on the type of nephrectomy, your surgeon will make an incision and remove either part or the whole kidney.
• After the Procedure: You will need to rest and recover in the hospital. You may experience pain but medications will help manage it. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function and overall recovery.

Risks and Potential Complications

As with any surgery, nephrectomy carries risks, such as:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or blood clots.
• Damage to surrounding organs, such as the bladder or blood vessels.
• Complications related to anesthesia.
• Kidney function loss (especially if only one kidney is removed).

Results/Outcomes:

• Improved kidney function: If one kidney is removed the remaining kidney often takes over, maintaining overall kidney function.
• Relief from pain: Many patients experience less pain and discomfort after surgery especially if the kidney was damaged or diseased.
• Successful tumor removal: If the surgery was for kidney cancer removing the tumor can help stop cancer from spreading.
• Better quality of life: After recovery most patients feel better and can return to their normal activities.
• Faster recovery with laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery typically leads to quicker healing and less scarring.