Nephrectomy
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Proficiency
What is Nephrectomy?
What happens before the procedure?
Before the procedure, patients undergo extensive preoperative evaluations, including imaging studies like CT or MRI scans and blood tests to assess kidney function and overall health. Patients will discuss their medical history, current medications, and any allergies with their healthcare team to ensure a safe surgical experience.
What happens during Nephrectomy?
Nephrectomy can be performed using either a laparoscopic or an open surgical approach. The surgery typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours and is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon carefully removes the affected kidney, taking care to avoid damage to surrounding structures.
What to expect after surgery?
After nephrectomy, most patients will stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. Pain management is a key focus during recovery, and patients can expect some discomfort and fatigue as they heal. Follow-up appointments are critical for monitoring kidney function and overall recovery.
What are the risks associated?
Potential complications include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs. Patients may also experience changes in kidney function, which should be monitored closely during recovery.
FAQ
Patient Information
Recovery can take several weeks, and most patients can gradually return to their normal activities within a month.
Most patients do not require dialysis after a nephrectomy, but this will depend on their overall kidney function.
Keeping the incision clean and dry is essential, and patients should follow specific instructions provided by their healthcare team.
Yes, many individuals live healthy lives with one kidney, though regular monitoring of kidney function is essential.
Patients will require regular follow-ups to monitor kidney function and any signs of recurrence if the surgery was for cancer.
