Nephrectomy
What is Nephrectomy?
A nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of a kidney. It is typically performed when the kidney is damaged or diseased, or in cases where the removal of a kidney can help treat or prevent certain medical conditions. There are two types of nephrectomy: Partial Nephrectomy & Radical (Total) Nephrectomy.
How to diagnose Nephrectomy? When to consult a doctor?
Diagnosing the need for a nephrectomy involves a series of medical evaluations, including: Medical History and Physical Exam, Imaging Tests, Blood and Urine Tests and Biopsy.
You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate serious kidney problems:
Severe, Persistent Pain, Blood in Urine (Hematuria), Unexplained Weight Loss, Frequent or Painful Urination, High Blood Pressure or Swelling (Edema), Family History of Kidney Disease or Cancer
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Causes
- Kidney Cancer
- Severe Kidney Damage
- Chronic Kidney Infection
- Non-Functioning Kidney
- Kidney Donor
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
Symptoms
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Persistent back or side pain below the ribs
- Fever and chills (in cases of infection)
- Nausea and vomiting
- educed urinary output
- Urinary tract infections
- High blood pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery. Laparoscopic nephrectomy often has a shorter recovery time (2-4 weeks), while open nephrectomy may take longer (4-6 weeks or more).
Patients should follow their doctor’s advice on diet, avoid heavy lifting, and attend follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function.
The typical hospital stay is 1-3 days for laparoscopic surgery and longer for open surgery, depending on the patient’s condition.
