Nephrectomy

Procedures we perform

ABOUT NEPHRECTOMY

What is a nephrectomy?

A nephrectomy is an operation to remove a kidney.

Nephrectomy is usually performed as a minimally invasive surgery using a laparoscopic (keyhole) or robotic surgical approach.

Why is a nephrectomy required?

Nephrectomy is most commonly performed because the kidney contains a mass which could be a cancer.

Removing a kidney for suspected cancer is known as a radical nephrectomy.

Other reasons for removing a kidney include:

The kidney does not work normally

The kidney is causing pain, recurrent infections, bleeding, or dangerously high blood pressure.

Removing a kidney for a non-cancerous condition is known as a simple nephrectomy.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the kidney. These abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a nephrectomy involve?

Nephrectomy is usually performed via a laparoscopic (keyhole) or robotic surgical approach, through five to seven keyhole incisions in the abdomen.

The kidney is separated from surrounding structures such as the bowel, liver, spleen, muscle, and fat. The blood supply to the kidney is then stapled or clamped off.

The kidney is removed through one larger (10-15cm) incision.

Nephrectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic.

What is the recovery after a nephrectomy?

Nephrectomy usually requires a two to four night stay in hospital.

A catheter is inserted at the end of the procedure. It is usually removed prior to discharge from hospital.

You will have mild pain in your abdomen for several weeks after the operation. You will be given pain relief medication in hospital and at home to manage this.

You can usually return to most activities two to four weeks after a nephrectomy, but you need to avoid heavy lifting and straining for six to eight weeks.

Will any further treatment be required for kidney cancer?

The kidney is sent for further testing after the operation. If you have a nephrectomy for suspected cancer, the results tell us how likely it is that the operation has cured the cancer.

The most common type of kidney cancer, known as renal cell carcinoma, usually doesn’t require any further treatment after nephrectomy.

We monitor for signs of cancer recurrence after the operation with regular scans. If there is evidence of cancer recurrence, further treatment such as immunotherapy or radiation therapy may be required.

Are there any side effects from having only one kidney?

Provided your other kidney works normally, there usually aren’t any long-term effects from having only one kidney.

After the operation, you may need to make diet and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of damage to your remaining kidney. Your urologist and/or GP will usually monitor the function of your remaining kidney after the operation long term.

Very rarely, you may need renal dialysis or a kidney transplant at some stage in your life if your remaining kidney stops working normally.