Nephrectomy

1. What is Nephrectomy?
Nephrectomy is surgery to remove a kidney either partially or completely. A partial nephrectomy removes the diseased portion while preserving healthy kidney tissue, whereas a radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney and surrounding tissues when necessary.

2. When is Nephrectomy recommended?
It may be recommended for kidney cancer, a severely damaged or non-functioning kidney, recurrent infections affecting a poorly functioning kidney, certain large or complex kidney tumors, or other conditions where kidney removal is medically necessary.

3. What is the difference between partial and radical Nephrectomy?
Partial nephrectomy preserves as much functioning kidney tissue as possible and is commonly considered for suitable localized kidney tumors. Radical nephrectomy removes the entire affected kidney and may be necessary for larger, complex, or strategically located tumors.

4. What tests are required before surgery?
Evaluation may include kidney-function blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans, and other investigations depending on the suspected condition. For kidney tumors, imaging is particularly important for determining the size, location, and extent of disease.

5. How is Nephrectomy performed?
The procedure may be performed through an open incision or using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques. The choice depends on the condition, anatomy, tumor characteristics, previous surgery, and surgeon's assessment.

6. How long does Nephrectomy surgery take?
The duration varies according to whether partial or radical nephrectomy is performed and whether the procedure is open, laparoscopic, or robotic. Complex cases may require longer surgery and hospitalization.

7. What is recovery like after Nephrectomy?
Recovery depends on the surgical approach and patient's overall health. Minimally invasive procedures often allow earlier mobility and discharge, while open surgery generally requires a longer recovery period. Kidney function is monitored after surgery.

8. What are the potential risks?
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to nearby organs or blood vessels, urine leakage after partial nephrectomy, and reduced kidney function. The risk depends on the type and complexity of surgery.

9. Can a person live normally with one kidney?
Yes. Many people can live healthy lives with one functioning kidney. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and other relevant health parameters is important after removal of a kidney.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate medical-record and imaging review, connect patients with appropriate urologists and hospitals, assist with treatment planning and hospital coordination, and support international patients with non-clinical arrangements.