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Urology

Radical Nephrectomy

What is a nephrectomy?

Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. The procedure is done to treat kidney cancer as well as other kidney diseases and injuries. Nephrectomy is also done to remove a healthy kidney from a donor (either living or deceased) for transplantation. Thousands of nephrectomies are performed every year in the India

Types of nephrectomy

There are two types of nephrectomy for a diseased kidney: partial and radical. In partial nephrectomy, only the diseased or injured portion of the kidney is removed. Radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire kidney, along with a section of the tube leading to the bladder (ureter), the gland that sits atop the kidney (adrenal gland), and the fatty tissue surrounding the kidney. When both kidneys are removed at the same time, the procedure is called bilateral nephrectomy.

The procedure used to remove a healthy kidney from a donor for the purpose of transplantation is called donor nephrectomy.

Preparation for living donor nephrectomy

In order to be evaluated as a kidney donor you must be healthy and without diseases that may lead to kidney failure. These include diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). A potential donor is first tested for blood type compatibility with the potential recipient. After blood type compatibility is confirmed the health care team will perform several other tests. These tests are done to look for complications that could possibly cause the recipient’s body to reject the new kidney. Also, to identify any health problems in the potential donor that would make him or her unsuitable as a donor.

A couple of weeks before the scheduled transplant surgery, a kidney donor is given a complete physical examination and advised of any other instructions before the hospital admission. An evaluation from a social worker is done to make sure the donation is being done willingly and without pressure.

Before the operation, the surgical procedure will be explained to you in great detail, along with the possible risks and complications.

How is nephrectomy surgery done?

Some people who require a nephrectomy are suitable for laparoscopic surgery (also called minimally invasive surgery) to remove the kidney. Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a laparoscope (wand-like camera) that is passed through a series of small incisions or “ports” in the abdominal wall. It is used to view the abdominal cavity and remove the kidney through a small incision. The procedure is done under general anesthesia (you are asleep and do not feel any pain). You will require a bladder catheter that is placed once you are asleep and is removed several hours after surgery.

Laparoscopy achieves the same things as traditional surgical techniques and can be used for both radical and partial surgery. It is also the preferred method for kidney transplant donor nephrectomy.

The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include:

Shorter recovery time

Shorter hospital stay

Smaller incisions

Fewer post-operative complications

Laparoscopic nephrectomy takes special skills to perform and is not available at all hospitals. Also, whether you can have laparoscopic surgery depends on your medical condition and overall health. Speak to your doctor about your options for laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Open Nephrectomy

Open nephrectomy is rarely required but is also done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a cut (incision) in the abdomen or in the side of the abdomen (flank area). A rib may need to be removed to perform the procedure. The ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) and the blood vessels are cut away from the kidney and the kidney is removed. The incision is then closed with stitches.

Aftercare and recovery

Immediately after surgery, your health care team will carefully watch your blood pressure, electrolytes and fluid balance. These body functions are controlled in part by the kidneys. You will most likely have a urinary catheter (tube to drain urine) in your bladder for a short time during your recovery.

You may have discomfort and numbness (caused by severed nerves) near the incision area. Pain relievers are given after the surgical procedure and during the recovery period as needed. Although deep breathing and coughing may be painful because the incision is close to the diaphragm, breathing exercises are important to prevent pneumonia.

You will probably remain in the hospital for 1 to 7 days, depending on the method of surgery used. You will be encouraged to return to light activities as soon as you feel up to it. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks following the procedure.

Your doctor will give you more detailed instructions about your post-operative activities, restrictions and diet.

Risks and complications of nephrectomy surgery

All surgery has certain risks and complications. Possible complications of nephrectomy surgery include:

Infection

Bleeding (hemorrhage) requiring blood transfusion

Post-operative pneumonia

Rare allergic reactions to anesthesia

There is also the small risk of kidney failure in a patient with lowered function or disease in the remaining kidney.

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