Everything You Need To Know About Kidney Removal (Nephrectomy) Treatment
Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove a kidney. The procedure is generally performed to treat kidney cancer or other kidney diseases and injuries. Nephrectomy may also be performed to remove a healthy kidney from a deceased or living donor for transplantation. Here, we will explore a range of topics about kidney removal surgery, such as what is nephrectomy, what is laparoscopic nephrectomy, how to prepare for laparoscopic kidney removal, what are the complications of kidney removal surgery, what is the cost of kidney removal surgery in India, which are the best hospitals for kidney removal surgery in India, and who are the top surgeons for kidney removal surgery in India.
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What is kidney removal (nephrectomy) surgery?
A nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy is a surgery performed to remove all or part of the kidney. The doctor might remove the kidney via open surgery or laparoscopically. In laparoscopic nephrectomy, smaller incisions are made and recovery is faster. This method uses general anesthesia. laparoscopic kidney removal helps achieve the same results as traditional surgical techniques. This approach could be used for both partial as well as radical nephrectomy. The other surgical approach is open nephrectomy, which is also done under general anesthesia. In this approach, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen or the side of the abdomen. The ureter and the blood vessels are carefully cut away from the kidney after which the kidney is removed. The incision will be finally closed with stitches. Some individuals may need a nephrectomy in case their kidney is the cause of some repeat infections or is no longer functioning.
Type of kidney removal surgery
Radical nephrectomy: A simple nephrectomy involves removal of the entire kidney. The surgeon makes a cut of around 12 inches along the side of the body. The surgeon then cuts away the kidney’s blood vessels and all its connections to the bladder. The entire organ is then removed very carefully. The surgeon might need to remove a rib to have access to the kidney. The gland that is present on the top of the kidney, known as the adrenal gland, and some adjacent lymph nodes might also be removed.
Partial nephrectomy: This procedure involves removal of only part of the kidney. The procedure is usually quite similar to a simple nephrectomy. But the surgeon may make a smaller incision. Once the doctor corrects the condition, they reconstruct the kidney. The goal of a partial nephrectomy is to remove only the diseased or damaged part of the kidney leaving behind as much healthy kidney tissues as possible. This procedure can also be performed through laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Kidney cancer
- Diseased kidney
- Non-functioning kidney
- Kidney transplant
Symptoms
- Blood in urine
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis
Angiography: In this test, special dye is injected in the body and then X-rays will be used to detect any blood vessels that could be triggering the tumor. This test is often done as part of a CT or MRI scan.
Computerized tomography. This test involves a series of X-rays used to create 3-dimensional views of tissues and organs.
Ultrasound: Sound waves will be used to create an image of the kidney and surrounding tissues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI): Radio waves or a magnetic field is used to produce detailed pictures inside the body.
Biopsy: This involves removing a sample of kidney tissues. In certain cases, a doctor might advise to perform a specific procedure to remove a sample of cells from the suspected part of the kidney. The sample is then tested in the lab to look for the signs of cancer.
Risk & Complications
Infection: There may be a risk of infection at the surgery site, which could be treated with certain antibiotics.
Nerve Damage: The procedure might lead to damage to the nerves in the conceed area, causing numbness, tingling, or sensory changes.
Urinary Problems: Patients might have difficulty urinating following the surgery and might have to temporarily use a catheter.
Bleeding: In surgery, excessive bleeding may be risky and could require additional treatment or blood transfusion.
Pain: Patients might experience moderate or severe pain after the procedure, requiring medication for pain management.
Heart and Lung Complications: The surgery can cause stress to the heart and lungs. Patients with pre-existing lung or heart conditions might be at higher risk for some complications.
Renal Dysfunction: If the remaining kidney after removal can’t compensate for the loss of the removed organ, it can cause kidney dysfunction as well as chronic kidney disease.
Preparation of Treatment
Several steps might be needed to prepare yourself before undergoing a nephrectomy. Preparation can be a little different for each individual. The hospital will schedule the kidney resection surgery in advance and let you know how to prepare for surgery. You may need to take several weeks off from the work and other commitments for the surgery and the recovery. Come to the hospital in loose-fitting, comfortable clothe that can be changed easily. As a nephrectomy will involve anesthesia, there would be some drink and food restrictions before the procedure. You may need not to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the very night before the surgery. You might be advised to stop taking some medications before the procedure. Certain classes of drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners, may be restricted. You need to carry basic care items for the hospital stay after the procedure. Make sure not to wear any jewelry, and leave all valuables at home.
Best Hospitals for Kidney Removal (Nephrectomy) Treatment

Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road Bangalore
Bannerghatta Main Road, IIM Opposite, Krishnaraju Layout, Amalodbhavi Nagar, Panduranga Nagar Bangalore Karnataka 560076 India
Cost of the treatment
Cost of kidney removal surgery
The cost of kidney removal surgery in India ranges from $4,000 to $5,000. This includes the cost of procedure, doctor’s fees, hospitalization, consumables and medicines. The same procedure might cost as high as $27000 in the UK and the US. The total savings on out-of-pocket expenses associated with kidney removal surgery in India is unparalleled compared to any other country across the world. The low cost of kidney removal surgery in India doesn’t mean the quality of treatment is compromised.
Recovery
Recovery after kidney removal surgery
After returning home from the hospital, you might be able to return to light activities in a week or two. You need to refrain from lifting heavy objects or any strenuous activities for around six weeks. After 6 weeks, you will have to get some blood tests done to monitor the overall function of the remaining kidney. Get moving and take short walks. Ask your doctor about any pain medications that would help during recovery. You need to keep the incision dry, clean and protected. Do not take baths or do swimming until the doctor advises to do so. In most cases, you may be allowed to eat a normal healthy diet. Make sure to drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. You can ask the care team if special dietary instructions or any related restrictions are necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Removal (Nephrectomy)
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