🧾 Understanding Nephrectomy

A nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a kidney. It may be done to treat kidney cancer, severe kidney damage, or other diseases that affect how the kidney works

❓ Why is it Done?

Your doctor may recommend nephrectomy if:

• You have kidney cancer

• There's a large tumor that cannot be removed partially

• The kidney is badly damaged by infection or trauma

• The kidney is not working and causing high blood pressure or infections

• For kidney donation (in living donors)

(Kidney Removal Surgery)

🛠️ How is the Surgery Done?

(Nephrectomy Procedure Explained)

Nephrectomy can be done in a few different ways. Your doctor will choose the best method based on your health, the kidney condition, and the location of the tumor or disease.

1️⃣ Open Surgery (Open Nephrectomy)

• The surgeon makes one large cut in your side, back, or belly.

• This allows direct access to the kidney.

• Often used for large tumors or when surrounding tissues also need to be removed.

✅ Good for: Complex or large tumors

2️⃣ Laparoscopic Surgery (Keyhole Surgery)

• The surgeon makes 3 to 5 small incisions in the belly.

• A tiny camera (laparoscope) and special instruments are inserted.

• The kidney (or part of it) is carefully detached and removed through one of the openings.

✅ Good for: Smaller tumors or non-complicated cases
🎯 Benefits: Less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery

3️⃣ Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery

• Similar to laparoscopic surgery, but done using a robotic system.

• The surgeon controls robotic arms from a console, using a 3D camera and fine instruments.

• Allows more precision, especially in delicate areas.

✅ Good for: Partial nephrectomy or tumors near critical blood vessels

🧼 During All Types of Surgery:

• You’ll be given general anaesthesia (you’ll be asleep).

• A catheter may be inserted to drain urine.

• The removed kidney (or portion) is sent for lab analysis (biopsy).

🎯 Nephrectomy for Cancer Treatment

👩‍⚕️ Why is a Nephrectomy Done for Cancer?

A urologic surgeon may perform a nephrectomy (kidney removal surgery) to treat kidney cancer or suspicious growths inside the kidney. The goal is to remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading.

🔬 Types of Kidney Cancer

🧔 In Adults

The most common type is Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC).

• It starts in the cells lining tiny tubes inside the kidney.

• Often found during scans done for other issues.

👧 In Children

The most common type is Wilms Tumor.

• Rare but usually seen in children under 5 years old.

• Has a high treatment success rate when caught early.

❓ How Do Doctors Decide What to Remove?

The decision to remove part or all of the kidney depends on:

✅ Whether the tumor is small or has spread
✅ If there are multiple tumors
✅ Whether the entire kidney or just a section is affected
✅ Health and function of the other kidney
✅ Any underlying health conditions
✅ Your overall kidney function