NEPHRECTOMY:

It is the procedure of removing a portion of the kidney which is having a tumor (cancerous or non-cancerous) or a whole kidney that is diseased.

It is also performed to remove a healthy kidney for donating.

There are types of nephrectomies:

Partial Nephrectomy:

In this surgery, a portion of the kidney where the tumor is present is only removed. It is also known as Kidney-Sparing(nephron-sparing) nephrectomy.

Simple nephrectomy:

In this surgery, the whole kidney is removed. This is done if the kidney function is lost because of various causes.

Radical nephrectomy:

In this surgery, the whole kidney is removed which is having tumor along with the adjacent tissues or glands that are also affected. This is usually done for kidney cancers.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy:

Here Urologist uses some tools with a camera are inserted into the body by making small holes with less than 1 cm size to perform surgery.

Urologists decide how much portion of kidney is to be removed depending on,

• Whether other tissues are affected.
• There is one or more tumor and the size of the tumor.
• Will the other kidney function well.
• Effect of other diseases on the kidney.

These factors can be decided by performing image tests,

• CT Scan (Computerized Tomography).
• Renogram
• Ultrasound.

These are the tests in which images of the tissues are seen in different patterns.

Advantages of laparoscopic nephrectomy

• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Decreased analgesic requirement
• Rapid recovery
• Better cosmesis
• Early mobilisation

Care After Surgery:

• Proper bed rest is taken for the respective time period as advised by the urologist depending upon the type of surgery performed.
• No heavyweights are to be lifted until the body recovers completely.
• Should maintain a healthy diet.
• Regularly kidney functioning is checked by consulting the urologist.