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Kidney removal
Definition
Kidney removal, also called nephrectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a kidney.
Alternative Names
NephrectomyDescription
This surgery is done while you are asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). The surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen or side of the abdomen (flank area). A rib may need to be removed to perform the procedure.
The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureter) and blood vessels are cut away from the kidney and the kidney is removed. The cut is then closed.
Kidney removal may be done as open surgery, which involves a large cut in the side of the abdomen. Some patients may have laparoscopic surgery. This type of surgery is less invasive and involves three or four small cuts, usually no more than 1 inch each, in the abdomen and flank areas.
Why the Procedure is Performed
Kidney removal may be recommended for:
- Birth defects (congenital abnormalities)
- Chronic bleeding
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Infection
- Injury (trauma)
- Tumor
Kidney removal is also performed on someone who donates a kidney for a kidney transplant.
Risks
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
- Bleeding
- Infection
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome is usually good when a single kidney is removed. If both kidneys are removed or the remaining kidney does not function well enough, you will need hemodialysis or a kidney transplant.
Recovery
You will be given fluids through a vein (IV) and pain medication. Kidney removal surgery is often very painful because of the location of the surgical cut. However, there is less pain with laparoscopic kidney removal surgery.
The health care team will carefully watch your blood pressure, body fluid balance, blood chemistry, and electrolyte levels. These body functions are controlled, in part, by the kidneys. You will most likely have a tube to drain urine (urinary catheter) in place for a short time during your recovery.
You will probably remain in the hospital for 2 - 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. Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks after the procedure.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
