Alternate Names: Nephrectomy

Description:

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the abdomen or in the side of the abdomen (flank). The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder(ureter) and the blood vessels are cut away from the kidney and the kidney is removed. The incision is then closed. For select patients, this procedure can be done laparoscopically through 3 or 4 one inch abdominal and flank incisions.

Indications: Nephrectomy may be recommended for:

• kidney deformities (birth defects: congenital abnormalities)
• injury (trauma)
• disease
• infection
• hypertension
• tumor
• removal of kidney from donor for kidney transplant

What To Expect After: Outcome is usually good in the case of a single nephrectomy. If both kidneys are removed or the remaining kidney does not function well, hemodialysis or kidney transplantation is necessary to maintain life.

Convalescence: Convalescence is the same as in any major abdominal surgery. The patient is given intravenous fluids and pain medication. This surgery is often very painful due to the positioning during the procedure. The patient's blood pressure and fluid balance are carefully monitored as these functions are controlled in part by the kidneys. He will most likely have a urinary catheter in place. The patient will be able to eat when bowel sounds are heard.

The patient will remain in the hospital for one to two weeks. Activity can be gradually increased as tolerated by the patient.

Risks: Risks for any anesthesia are:

• reactions to medications
• problems breathing

• bleeding
• infection