Nephrectomy refers to the surgical removal of a kidney. It is performed to treat various diseases and conditions affecting kidney function when the organ is diseased, damaged or cancerous beyond repair. As major abdominal surgery, nephrectomy requires hospitalization, carries significant risks, and involves a recovery period before normal activity can resume. Understanding why kidney removal may be necessary and what the procedure entails can help patients prepare. can consult the Best Nephrologist in Kolkata.
Reasons Kidney Removal Becomes Essential
There are several common reasons nephrectomy is recommended:
Kidney Cancer – Localized small tumors may allow for partial nephrectomy to spare kidney tissue. But larger masses require total kidney and surrounding tissue removal (radical nephrectomy) to prevent metastatic spread.
Chronic Kidney Disease – A severely damaged kidney impacting the function of its healthier paired organ may necessitate one diseased kidney’s complete removal. This allows the remaining kidney to work more efficiently.
Kidney Infection – Recurrent or resistant kidney infections may lead to an obstructed, severely inflamed kidney needing removal as it becomes too damaged to allow healing.
Traumatic Injury – Major physical kidney trauma from accidents, falls or penetrating wounds unlikely to resolve may also require total nephrectomy if organ repair cannot succeed.
Kidney Donation – Healthy individuals can donate one kidney for transplantation to someone needing an organ. The remaining donor kidney enlarges to take over full function.
What the Nephrectomy Procedure Involves
There are a few surgical approaches to kidney removal depending on factors like tumor size, kidney position and surgeon preference:
- Open Nephrectomy – A 6-8 inch abdominal incision allows direct access to the kidney and surrounding tissues. Most common technique.
- Laparoscopic Nephrectomy – Several small “keyhole” incisions allow for an inserted camera and tools to cut tissues and remove the kidney with less direct visibility.
- Robotic Nephrectomy – Similar to laparoscopic but done remotely with more precise robotic surgical tools. Enhanced 3D imaging defines anatomy clearly.
Once accessed, surgeons isolate the kidney from surrounding blood vessels, ureter, adrenal gland and fatty tissue depending on nephrectomy type. These are then ligated off before the entire kidney or section containing cancer cells gets excised depending on surgery goals. Removal may occur through an intact incision or using a retrieval bag pulled through a small port to minimize tissue damage if laparoscopic. The surgical team ensures no bleeding before inserting temporary drainage tubes near incisions and closing all openings.
Recovery After Kidney Removal Surgery
Hospitalization stays an average 2-4 days for open nephrectomy to as little as one day for robotic or laparoscopic kidney removal. At home, typical recovery takes 4-6 weeks with restrictions on lifting, driving, working, and vigorous activity during initial healing. Fluid intake is encouraged to help drainage tube sites seal faster once removed around post-operative day five along with a low-fiber diet minimizing strain during bowel movements. Prescribed pain medications treat surgical discomfort in the first couple of weeks. Some pain around incisions may persist for several months as deeper tissues fully mend from surgical trauma. Life with one kidney poses few long-term problems provided the remaining organ stays healthy through lifestyle habits like a low-sodium diet and blood pressure management. But monitoring for potential issues like proteinuria, high blood pressure or reduced kidney function remains important long-term.
Conclusion:
Nephrectomy to remove a dysfunctional, obstructed, damaged, cancerous, or donated kidney remains an essential, often lifesaving treatment option for various conditions affecting renal health. But as a major surgery, the procedure warrants notable recovery time for patients to heal, regain strength, and adapt to single kidney function. Knowing what to expect after kidney removal surgery as far as hospitalization length, post-operative restrictions, medication needs, activity limitations, and follow-up monitoring can help patients plan ahead while feeling confident in their long-term prognosis if surgery succeeds. Working closely with one’s nephrologist and surgeon prepares patients to navigate nephrectomy treatment smoothly. Read more.