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A nephrectomy is a procedure in which a kidney or part of a kidney is surgically removed.
Kidney removal may be required because of:
- Birth defects
- Injuries to the kidney
- Infection
- High blood pressure
- Tumor
- Chronic bleeding
- Kidney donation for a transplant
Risk factors from anesthesia include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Reactions to the anesthesia
Risk factors from the surgery include:
In case a transfusion is needed either before or after surgery, it’s important that your blood samples are typed and cross-matched. Also, a catheter is inserted into the bladder. General anesthesia
is administered. You will be asleep and will not feel pain during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen or side of the abdomen. A rib may need to be removed to access the kidney. The ureter (which carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) and blood vessels are cut, and the kidney (or part of the kidney) is removed. The incision is then closed. Laparoscopic surgery
, which requires only three or four small cuts in the abdomen, may also be used for nephrectomy. Generally, this approach is reserved for tumors less than 10 cm in size.
The surgeon insufflates the abdominal cavity with gas(CO2) and makes several key-hole size incisions. Similar to the open approach, the ureter and blood vessels are cut, and the kidney (or part of the kidney) is removed. A small incision is made to retrieve the kidney.
Typical hospital stay following nephrectomy is 2-7 days, depending on the type of surgery performed. Once released from the hospital, you are generally encouraged to move around and be cautiously active as symptoms allow. Strenuous exercise or activities are not permitted for approximately six weeks. Typically between 3-4 hours Because of the location of the incision, recovery from nephrectomy is usually painful. The laparoscopic approach is significantly less painful.
Risk factors from anesthesia include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Reactions to the anesthesia
Risk factors from the surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to adjacent organs
The average hospital stay is 2-7days, depending on the type of surgery performed. Intravenous fluids and pain medication are administered following the surgery. Blood pressure, electrolytes, and fluid balance should all be carefully monitored. A urinary catheter is often required for a short time following surgery.
Prognosis following nephrectomy is usually good, particularly if only one kidney or part of a kidney has been removed. If both kidneys are removed, hemodialysis or
kidney transplantation
is necessary.
- Have a fever of over 100˚F
- Are in a great deal of pain
- Suddenly become very weak
- The incision site is leaking fluid or is bleeding
- Are not able to urinate
Last reviewed May 2007 by Miguel Antelo, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. |
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