“Nephrectomy” is a term used by doctors which refers to a surgical procedure for the removal of a kidney or part of a kidney. It is sometimes also referred to as nephrectomy surgery. When the kidneys become irreparably damaged or diseased and kidney function is compromised, nephrectomy is often necessary.
The kidneys play several roles, but one major function is to act as the bloodstream’s filtration system. The kidneys collect harmful toxins and wastes from the blood so they can pass out of the body in urine.
A nephrectomy is done because of one of several possible kidney problems. Kidney cancer and kidney failure are two of the most typical reasons for a nephrectomy.
A complete or radical nephrectomy means the entire kidney is removed. When only a part of the kidney is taken out, it’s called a partial nephrectomy. There’s another kind of nephrectomy called a donor nephrectomy procedure. This describes an operation in which someone donates one healthy kidney as part of a kidney transplant operation.
Nephrectomy surgery is usually done one of two ways.
1. Laparoscopic Nephrectomy – This is a minimally invasive procedure using several small incisions instead of one large one. A miniature camera is placed inside the body, and the surgeon uses instruments placed in the incisions to remove tissue as needed.
2. Open Nephrectomy – This type of nephrectomy procedure involves one large open incision rather than several small ones. The surgeon removes as much tissue as necessary through the large incision. This is the “traditional” method of kidney removal, and requires a longer recovery period.
The type of nephrectomy procedure that’s appropriate depends on how much of the kidney needs to be removed, and the cause of the problem.
The question you’re probably asking right now is, “What determines how much of the kidney needs to be taken out?”
There are a number of things to consider. For instance, how much damage has the kidney suffered? How much of the kidney has been affected by disease? Is the damage confined to the kidney or has it spread to the tissue surrounding the kidney? Are there one or several tumors in the kidney? It will also depend on whether or not the other kidney is healthy or if both kidneys are damaged.
There are several types of tests that will help answer these questions. They include:
Ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the kidney and the tissues around it.
Computerized Tomography – Specialized X-ray technology is used to produce cross-sectional views of the kidney. Also called CT.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – This type of technology employs radio waves and a magnetic field to produce computer-enhanced 3-dimensional views of the kidney. Also known as an”MRI.”
Your doctor will evaluate the results of these various tests and suggest the best nephrectomy procedure for you.
Recovery time for a nephrectomy will depend on which type of surgery you’ve had and your overall health.
Following a nephrectomy, some patients develop post-surgical complications. These may include hypertension and chronic kidney disease. However, in most cases, a nephrectomy procedure will succeed without complications, allowing the patient to continue the same – or nearly the same – quality of life as before.
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