Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. It may be performed to treat kidney cancer, severe kidney damage, donation for transplant, or other conditions where a kidney must be removed. With modern minimally invasive techniques, nephrectomy is safer and recovery is faster than ever. Most people live healthy, normal lives with just one functioning kidney.
When is Nephrectomy Needed?
- Kidney cancer — radical nephrectomy to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue
- Living donor transplant — the donor donates one kidney to a recipient
- Severe kidney damage — non-functioning kidney causing infections or pain
- Kidney trauma — severe injury that cannot be repaired
- Large kidney stones — when the kidney is destroyed by recurrent stones
- Polycystic kidney disease — removal of very large, symptomatic kidneys
- Pyonephrosis — infected, non-functioning kidney that doesn't respond to antibiotics
Types of Nephrectomy
Simple Nephrectomy
Removal of the entire kidney without removing surrounding tissue. Used for non-functioning kidneys, stones, or benign conditions. The adrenal gland and lymph nodes are preserved.
Radical Nephrectomy
Removal of the kidney, adrenal gland, surrounding fat, and nearby lymph nodes. Standard treatment for kidney cancer. Ensures complete removal of tumour tissue.
Laparoscopic / Robotic Nephrectomy
Minimally invasive approach using small incisions (0.5-1 cm) and a camera. Less pain, shorter hospital stay (1-2 days), faster recovery, and better cosmetic results. Now the standard approach for most nephrectomies.
Donor Nephrectomy
Removal of a healthy kidney from a living donor for transplant. Usually laparoscopic. The donor surgeon ensures the kidney is removed with adequate vessel length for the transplant. Donor safety is the top priority.
The Procedure
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is administered. You will be asleep throughout the procedure.
Incision
For laparoscopic nephrectomy, 4-5 small incisions are made in the abdomen. A camera and instruments are inserted. For open surgery, a larger incision (10-15 cm) is made on the side or front.
Kidney Removal
The kidney is carefully separated from surrounding tissue. Blood vessels (renal artery and vein) are clipped and divided. The ureter is also divided. The kidney is removed through one of the incisions.
Closure
The incisions are closed with stitches. A drainage tube may be placed. The procedure takes 2-4 hours for laparoscopic and 3-5 hours for open surgery.
Recovery
- •Laparoscopic nephrectomy: 1-2 days hospital stay, return to normal activities in 2-4 weeks
- •Open nephrectomy: 3-5 days hospital stay, return to normal activities in 4-6 weeks
- •Avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks
- •Pain medication is prescribed for comfort
- •Follow-up imaging and blood tests to monitor kidney function
- •Stay well hydrated to support the remaining kidney
Living with One Kidney
Most people live completely normal, healthy lives with one kidney. The remaining kidney compensates by growing slightly larger and increasing its filtering capacity. Key considerations: maintain healthy blood pressure, stay hydrated, avoid excessive NSAIDs (painkillers), and have regular kidney function checks. Living kidney donors are thoroughly evaluated to ensure they have excellent kidney function before donation and are followed up long-term.
Consult Dr. Rajesh Goel
Dr. Rajesh Goel evaluates patients needing nephrectomy and coordinates with urological surgeons. He provides pre-operative assessment and post-operative kidney function monitoring.