Why is this procedure done?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter blood before turning it into urine. They clean the body of waste products and harmful blood substances. The kidneys can become diseased from having diabetes or high blood pressure. A nephrectomy is a procedure to remove a kidney or part of a kidney.
This procedure is done for:
- Kidney cancer
- Very bad injury to the kidney from an accident
- Tumor in the kidney
- Other kidney diseases like stones or infection
- Donation of a kidney to someone else
- Control of high blood pressure
When done to treat kidney diseases, a part of the diseased kidney or the whole kidney with its tube may be removed. Both kidneys can also be removed. This procedure can be done as:
- Open nephrectomy ข The doctor makes a cut in the belly that is 6 to 8 inches long to take the kidney out. Sometimes, the doctor has to cut one of the ribs out during this surgery.
- Partial nephrectomy ข Only the diseased part of the kidney is taken out.
- Laparoscopic nephrectomy ข The doctor makes small cuts and takes the kidney out while looking in the belly with a camera. Tools are used in the small cuts to remove the kidney. The recovery time is often shorter.
- Radical nephrectomy ข The whole kidney and part of the tube that goes from the kidney to the bladder is taken out.
- Unilateral nephrectomy ข One kidney is taken out.
- Bilateral nephrectomy ข Both kidneys are taken out. You will need to be on dialysis if both kidneys are taken.
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What will the results be?
The diseased kidney or part of it will be removed. A healthy kidney will be taken out and put into another person who does not have a working kidney.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ฎ, ibuprofen, Aleve ฎ (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- If both kidneys will be removed, your doctor will talk with you about the option of a new kidney. Getting a new kidney may take some time. You need dialysis to clean your blood while you wait for a transplant.
- If you will be donating a kidney, you will have some tests.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- When you are asleep, the doctors will put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will clean your belly using an antiseptic.
- Laparoscopic surgery: The doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly and side. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the kidneys. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to do the procedure. The doctor will make one cut larger, about 4 inches, to remove the kidney.
- Open surgery: You will be put on a breathing machine during the surgery. The doctor will make a cut in your belly. The kidney is then removed. Sometimes, the doctor removes a rib or part of a rib to get to the kidney.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- The staff will watch your cut to make sure it is healing well. They will get you up and moving around and back on a diet. If you do not have a kidney that works, you may start dialysis.
- You may have to stay in the hospital for up to a week.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to:
- Help with pain
- Prevent or fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Breathing problems
- Liver damage
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Kidney failure
- A bulge in the belly. This is a hernia.
Helpful tips
Put a pillow on your belly when you cough to help with the pain.
Where can I learn more?
National Kidney Foundation
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/nephrectomy.cfm
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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