Posted on : 08/03/2022      Views : 999

Nephrectomy or Kidney Removal Surgery: All you need to know

Whether you are suffering from any kidney issues like renal cancer, chronic renal disease, or need a kidney transplant? Kidney removal is a commonly performed procedure that entails the removal of a healthy kidney from a living person. If your doctor has suggested kidney removal or nephrectomy for you and you want to more about the same, then you are on the right page. In this blog, we will discuss this with the best urologist in Jayanagar.
 
Types of Nephrectomy or kidney removal -
Radical or complete nephrectomy- During a radical nephrectomy, the urologic surgeon removes the entire kidney as well as certain other tissues, such as a portion of the ureter (the tube that links the kidney to the bladder) or other nearby structures like the adrenal gland or lymph nodes.

Partial nephrectomy- The surgeon removes sick tissue from a kidney and leaves healthy tissue in situ during a partial nephrectomy, also known as kidney-sparing (nephron-sparing) surgery.

When do you need to undergo kidney removal or nephrectomy procedure?
As per our experts practicing in the best hospital in Bangalore, you may need to undergo a nephrectomy procedure,

• For tumor removal (benign or malignant)
• To treat cancer like renal cell carcinoma
• Wilms tumor in children for poor development of kidney
• If a person's kidney is the source of repeated infections or is no longer functioning, they may require a nephrectomy.
• Nephrectomies are also used to remove a healthy kidney in preparation for a kidney donation.

Your surgeon may decide the amount of tissue removal based on the following factors including-

• The number of tumors
• The kidney is functioning properly or not
• Amount of renal tissue cancer has affected
• Whether the cells have affected the surrounding tissue or not
• Other kidney diseases are there or not
• Whether the tumor is confined to the kidney or not or has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes or not.

What to expect during kidney removal?
Nephrectomy surgery varies based on the involvement of the renal disease and the technique through which surgery is performed.

• Open surgery
• Complete or radical nephrectomy
• Partial nephrectomy
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery

You can discuss with your surgeon related to the pros and cons of the surgery, the duration of the recovery period, when can you resume your work, and more.
You will be under the effect of anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain.
 
What are the questions you need to ask your surgeon after surgery?
After your surgery, you can ask your urologist the following questions that include-

• How was the surgery?
• How much renal tissue has been removed?
• How much tissue has been preserved?
• Should I need to come for follow-up visits?
• Should I have to make dietary changes or not?

What can I expect after a Nephrectomy?

The length of your hospital stay and the recovery period is determined by your overall health and the type of nephrectomy performed. During your recovery, the urine catheter will be left in place for a brief time.

You may need to begin light, ordinary activities as soon as you feel ready, but for several weeks, you must avoid vigorous exertion or heavy lifting.
 
Can I be alive with one kidney?
Although most people are born with two kidneys, your body can function properly with only one.
To stay alive after having both kidneys removed, you'll require a kidney transplant or dialysis (a treatment that replaces your kidney functions).
 
How to take care of my remaining kidney?
You may have generally normal kidney function after nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. Your doctor may advise you-

• To adopt a balanced diet,
• Exercise regularly, and
• Have frequent examinations to monitor your kidney health in order to maintain optimal kidney function.

Conclusion- if you or someone you know, need to undergo such a procedure, you can consult our doctors from the best urology hospital in Bangalore.