Nephrectomy



To remove a kidney in an open procedure, an incision is made below the ribcage (A). The kidney is exposed (B) and connections to blood vessels and the ureter are severed (C). The kidney is removed in one piece (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
To remove a kidney in an open procedure, an incision is made below the ribcage (A). The kidney is exposed (B) and connections to blood vessels and the ureter are severed (C). The kidney is removed in one piece (D). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)


Definition

A nephrectomy is a surgical procedure for the removal of a kidney or section of a kidney.


Purpose

Nephrectomy, or kidney removal, is performed on patients with severe kidney damage from disease, injury, or congenital conditions. These include cancer of the kidney (renal cell carcinoma); polycystic kidney disease (a disease in which cysts, or sac-like structures, displace healthy kidney tissue); and serious kidney infections. It is also used to remove a healthy kidney from a donor for the purposes of kidney transplantation .

Demographics

The HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that 46,130 patients underwent partial or radical nephrectomy surgery for non-transplant-related indications in the United States in 2000. Patients with kidney cancer accounted for over half of those procedures. The American Cancer Society projects that an estimated 31,900 new cases of renal cell carcinoma will occur in the United States in 2003.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), 5,974 people underwent nephrectomy to become living kidney donors in 2001. The majority of these donors—43.9%—were between the ages of 35 and 49, and 58.8% were female. Related donors were more common than non-related donors, with full siblings being the most common relationship between living donor and kidney recipients (28.5% of living donors).


Description

Nephrectomy may involve removing a small portion of the kidney or the entire organ and surrounding tissues. In partial nephrectomy, only the diseased or infected portion of the kidney is removed. Radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire kidney, a section of the tube leading to the bladder (ureter), the gland that sits atop the kidney (adrenal gland), and the fatty tissue surrounding the kidney. A simple nephrectomy performed for living donor transplant purposes requires removal of the kidney and a section of the attached ureter.


Open nephrectomy

In a traditional, open nephrectomy, the kidney donor is administered general anesthesia and a 6–10 in (15.2–25.4 cm) incision through several layers of muscle is made on the side or front of the abdomen. The blood vessels connecting the kidney to the donor are cut and clamped, and the ureter is also cut between the bladder and kidney and clamped. Depending on the type of nephrectomy procedure being performed, the ureter, adrenal gland, and/or surrounding tissue may also be cut. The kidney is removed and the vessels and ureter are then tied off and the incision is sutured (sewn up). The surgical procedure can take up to three hours, depending on the type of nephrectomy being performed.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a form of minimally invasive surgery that utilizes instruments on long, narrow rods to view, cut, and remove the kidney. The surgeon views the kidney and surrounding tissue with a flexible videoscope. The videoscope and surgical instruments are maneuvered through four small incisions in the abdomen, and carbon dioxide is pumped into the abdominal cavity to inflate it and improve visualization of the kidney. Once the kidney is isolated, it is secured in a bag and pulled through a fifth incision, approximately 3 in (7.6 cm) wide, in the front of the abdominal wall below the navel. Although this surgical technique takes slightly longer than a traditional nephrectomy, preliminary studies have shown that it promotes a faster recovery time, shorter hospital stays, and less post-operative pain.

A modified laparoscopic technique called hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy may also be used to remove the kidney. In the hand-assisted surgery, a small incision of 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) is made in the patient's abdomen. The incision allows the surgeon to place his hand in the abdominal cavity using a special surgical glove that also maintains a seal for the inflation of the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide. This technique gives the surgeon the benefit of using his hands to feel the kidney and related structures. The kidney is then removed by hand through the incision instead of with a bag.


Diagnosis/Preparation

Prior to surgery, blood samples will be taken from the patient to type and crossmatch in case transfusion is required during surgery. A catheter will also be inserted into the patient's bladder. The surgical procedure will be described to the patient, along with the possible risks.


Aftercare

Nephrectomy patients may experience considerable discomfort in the area of the incision. Patients may also experience numbness, caused by severed nerves, near or on the incision. Pain relievers are administered following the surgical procedure and during the recovery period on an as-needed basis. Although deep breathing and coughing may be painful due to the proximity of the incision to the diaphragm, breathing exercises are encouraged to prevent pneumonia. Patients should not drive an automobile for a minimum of two weeks.

Risks

Possible complications of a nephrectomy procedure include infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), and post-operative pneumonia. There is also the risk of kidney failure in a patient with impaired function or disease in the remaining kidney.


Normal results

Normal results of a nephrectomy are dependent on the purpose of the procedure and the type of nephrectomy performed. Immediately following the procedure, it is normal for patients to experience pain near the incision site, particularly when coughing or breathing deeply. Renal function of the patient is monitored carefully after surgery. If the remaining kidney is healthy, it will increase its functioning over time to compensate for the loss of the removed kidney.

Length of hospitalization depends on the type of nephrectomy procedure. Patients who have undergone a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy may be discharged two to four days after surgery. Traditional open nephrectomy patients are typically hospitalized for about a week. Recovery time will also vary, on average from three to six weeks.


Morbidity and mortality rates

Survival rates for living kidney donors undergoing nephrectomy are excellent; mortality rates are only 0.03%—or three deaths for every 10,000 donors. Many of the risks involved are the same as for any surgical procedure: risk of infection, hemorrhage, blood clot, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.

For patients undergoing nephrectomy as a treatment for renal cell carcinoma, survival rates depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health history . According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for patients with stage I renal cell carcinoma is 90–100%, while the five-year survival rate for stage II kidney cancer is 65–75%. Stage III and IV cancers have metastasized, or spread, beyond the kidney and have a lower survival rate, 40–70% for stage III and less than 10% for stage IV. Chemotherapy, radiation, and/or immunotherapy may also be required for these patients.


Alternatives

Because the kidney is responsible for filtering wastes and fluid from the bloodstream, kidney function is critical to life. Nephrectomy candidates diagnosed with serious kidney disease, cancer, or infection usually have few treatment choices aside from this procedure. However, if kidney function is lost in the remaining kidney, the patient will require chronic dialysis treatments or transplantation of a healthy kidney to sustain life.


Resources

books

Cameron, J. S. Kidney Failure: The Facts. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

Parker, James and Philip Parker, eds. The 2002 Official Patient Sourcebook on Renal Cell Cancer. San Diego: Icon Health Publications, 2002.

periodicals

Johnson, Kate. "Laparoscopy is Big Hit With Living Donors." Family Practice News 31 (January 2001): 12.

organizations

American Cancer Society. (800) 227-2345. http://www.cancer.org .

National Kidney Foundation. 30 East 33rd St., Suite 1100, New York, NY 10016. (800) 622-9010. http://www.kidney.org .

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). 700 North 4th St., Richmond, VA 23219. (888) 894-6361. UNOS Transplant Connection: http://www.transplantliving.org .

other

Living Donors Online. http://www.livingdonorsonline.org .


Paula Anne Ford-Martin

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


If nephrectomy is required for the purpose of kidney donation, it will be performed by a transplant surgeon in one of over 200 UNOS-approved hospitals nationwide. For patients with renal cell carcinoma, nephrectomy surgery is typically performed in a hospital setting by a surgeon specializing in urologic oncology.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR


User Contributions:

1
Donna Burton
Thank you for the frank and much needed information. I am going to be having my right kidney removed in 3 weeks as a transplant to a close friend. I am 40 yrs . The Dr's while being very helpfull were not as descriptive as I needed
Thank You Donna.
2
ERLENE TATE
MY DAUGHTER MAY HAVE TO HAVE A PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY OR A TOTAL ONE D/T SHE HAS ANGIOMYOLIPOMA ON HER LEFT KIDNEY.SHE IS HAVING HEMATURIA WITH LARGE CIOTS PASSING AND A LOT OF PAIN.I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HER SOME INFO. ON A NEPHRECTOMY R/T HER ANGIOMYOLIPOMA. she is 42 years old.
3
Ruth
Thank u so much for the info due to have r Kidney out 27/5 all so sudden but ur info has helped me understand and realise what is to come - thnk u all - good luck to anyone looking at this site that has problems as well - we will survive!!
4
Rhonda Keatts
I had a Bladder Sling performed in February and about a week after I started experiencing pain and it was found that I had a blockage in my L ureter, a stent was placed 3 times and removed. It blocked after each time, then a Uretheral Re-Implant was done then when the stent was removed the new opening in the bladder grew "Proud Skin" over it and another stent was placed. In the midst of this a kidney function test was done and determined that I had 10% function in left kidney now the Dr wants to remove the kidney totally. Is there anyway to save the kidney and how long did it take to get into this condition? Thank you.
5
becky
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A UPJ-STRUCTURE ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO AND STILL HAVING ONGOING PROBLEMS. I'VE HAD NUMEROUS STENT PLACEMENTS AND REPLACEMENTS AND 2-MAJOR SURGERIES. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ONLY THING LEFT TO HELP MY ONGOING PROBLEM IS TO HAVE A NEPHRECTOMY, AND I'M SCARED AND UNSURE OF HOW I WILL RECOVER.I AM ONLY 33 AND I HAVE A LITTLE GIRL AND DOCTORS HAVE TOLD ME THAT I PROBABLY WILL BE UNABLE TO HAVE ANYMORE CHILDREN."I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHAT NORMAL FEELS LIKE FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE WITH NO PAIN." WILL I EVER GET THROUGH THESE PAINFUL FEELINGS OF SURGERIES AND WHAT A NORMAL LIFE IS LIKE?
6
Jeanette
My seven year old daughter is about to have a nephrectomy. She had a UPJ blockage in her uterer that she was born with. Because it went undiagnosed she is now losing that kidney. It no longer functions. Amazingly her other kidney is doing fine and we are praying for her to get through this safely. Thanks so much for the information on this site. I had no idea what we were looking at or what questions to ask the doctor. This will help me a great deal in feeling better about what we will face in the coming weeks!
7
Chrisman
I have had a nephrectomy 3 weeks ago. I had no idea what to expect beforehand and was shocked at how big an operation it was. I still feel pain and discomfort in my right side, especially after eating. The reason for my nephrectomy was due to a congenital narrowing in the ureter going to my bladder. The kidney just stopped functioning as a result. Luckily my left kidney works perfectly and is a little enlarged due to taking over the function of the other kidney a while ago.
8
Laura E Wood
On the 21st of September, 2009, I donated my Right kidney to my Partner of 10 years.

It was my partners 2nd living kidney transplant, his first was 10 years earlier, donated from his sister.

The kidney I gave to him started to work before the surgeon had finish sewing him up, and is every day increasingly better.The medicines have improved so much in the last 10 years,it's so wonderful to see him off dialysis.
I'm so glad I was able to give him a new lease of life.

OK, I'm still a bit sore, but each day is an improvement, and it wont be long before I'm back to my sprightly self.

I'm 54 years old and my partner is nearly 57, Yippee life,here we come.
9
Des
I am going for a Left Nephrectomy due to Polycystic kidney disorder the 12 Jan 2009. The info was good but I wanted to know a bit more.
10
Loraine
Thank you very much for this much needed information. I will be having Nephrectomy surgery on the 28th of this month (January) since I have two cysts on my right kidney. One cyst is a small one and the other one is 6 centimeters long. It is located inside my right kidney in the mid-pole region. I was first diagnosed with having two cysts in April of 2005 and no follow ups until I saw my Urologist who ordered the surgery which I will be having. All I know is that my Urologist/Surgeon will make the decision after he sees where the mass is located. I know that I will be in the hospital overnight and maybe one more day. It depends on how I am feeling the day after surgery.
For those facing Kidney removal of a congenital nature and particularly young children, I am an example of how the remaining kidney compensates. I lost my left kidney aged 9, I am now 68 years old and healthy as an old bloke can be.
On January 18, 2010 I had to have my right kidney removed and a hysterectomy due to endometriosis. It was done by laproscopic incisions, this is the way to go if you have to have it done. The endometriosis had cut off the right kidney. Just luckily it was confined to my right side. I just wanted to say for the women that have endometriosis to please keep it checked. I would never had dreamed that this would have happened. Everything went well and I recovered quickly, maybe 2 to 3 weeks. Went back to work in 4 weeks. The hysterectomy was what was the most painful.
Thank you for the informative article. Due to a renal mass, I am to have my right kidney removed on 12 May. This was discovered on a CT scan for a possible ovarian cyst. I haven't had any symptoms or issues so it was a complete surprise. I have a wonderful physician but am reading everything that I can find on this subject. I want to be prepared for what I am facing and know the correct questions to ask. You have helped.
Thank you for the information on your web page, it has given me a lt of insight as to what will happen as I an scheduled for a partial nephrectomy on the 14th of September and I am an isulin dependant diabetic. I a 51 yrs old and am really scared.
15
Suesan
Thank you for the information I am having complete removal due to 4% capacity caused by numerous stones over 16 years in my left kidney my right although has gone through stone damage still functions at 97% But, the left continues to be the cause of infections. I now understand the terminology and what to expect.
16
Kim
My 4 year old son just recently went through an open left nephrectomy which involved the removal of his whole kidney! I'm glad that there are websites such as these with information out there! We didn't know what to expect, it was just so sudden but my son is doing great! Actually, he was walking around the day after his surgery and rarely complained during the recovery period!
17
Mary
Thank you for such an informative and in depth expalnation, not only has it helped me prepare for my forthcomming Nephrectomy = L/K, but also helped my family understand and prepare for what may be to come.Once again Thank you so much.
I am having a radical nephrectomy in a few weeks time. While I was being 'prepped' for radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery last year something growing on my left kidney was picked up and my oncologist decided to leave it and monitor it after a year. I had a CT scan recently and the mass has grown so she sent me to a urologist and he will do the surgery soon. He told me that 95% of these growths on kidneys are carcinomas and only 5% are benign. He seems happy that only the kidney is affected but I am surprised at the "95% chance that it is cancerous". Please can you tell me if that is an exageration. Maybe statistics for this differ internationally and you can't tell me about South African statistics?
I've just had a laparoscopic nephrectomy as a living donor, giving my right kidney.I had no pain following the procedure at all. Had it done Friday a.m and went home Sunday p.m. I feel very well and have had no problems since the surgery. 3 weeks on and I am still a little swollen, bit tender around incision area kidney was removed through,but otherwise I feel well and my life is back to normal. If anyone is concerned or worried about the procedure, I am happy to chat via email.
Had a radical nephrectomy on moony and came home Thursday. Feeling really fine. Wondering about what to expect next especially with the associated loss of adrenal gland. Will I gain weight? Not much info out there
My partner is going in Thursday for his kidney removal!
I don't know what to expect or how to make his life as easy as possible?
Suzanne
For anyone having concerns about donating a kidney,my experience was very pleasant,although there is some pain.I believe my recovery time was shortened by not taking morphine.I was completely aware of my recovery with no sickness whatsoever.
i am having a failed transplanted kidney removed,in about two weeks time,can u give me some advice about this procedure.thanks
Last year a CT scan showed a mass on my upper left pole on my kidney measuring 1.3cm. They weren't too concerned about the mass, and just decided to keep an eye on it. I had to switch Doctors about 9 months later, and the new dr wants to have surgery on it. I am scared to pieces! Its only a partial nephrectomy, but its still scary going under. My urologist said I will be in the hospital for up to 2-3 days. Has anyone else gone thru this already? My husband is not the best support system, and would love to talk to someone who has been thru this. This will be my 4th mass removed from my body. My surgery is scheduled 8 days from now..
I had a ct because there is blood in my urine and am having pain.and the results are as follows:
ureters: within the proximal left ureter, there is an area of narrowing, short segment. This may repersentan area of peristalsis, thougha small filling defect in this region is difficult to left. Further evaluation with ureteroscopy is recommeneded
I have a tumor on the kidney and a cyst so close to it that the doctor didn't want to do a biopsy. The doctor recommends robotic assisted removal of the tumor with laparoscopy. Is it feasible to remove the cyst in the same surgery as well as small kidney stones? If the kidney is removed, how long before the body functions normally again? Would it be safer to remove the whole kidney?
Is it normal for the side the kidney is taken from to remain larger than the other side
I had a radical nephrectomy on the 25/7/2011. It is taking time to overcome this as i suffered with various complications post op, including pneumonia and a collapsed lung, i am slowly getting better and hoping that the operation has stopped the ongoing nasty infections that used to dominate my life.
My husband donated a kidney to his sister one week ago. He was discharged after 4 days and his sister after 6 days. Both are doing amazingly well. My husband has experienced no pain at all - we cannot understand why he would (thankfully) have no pain after such a procedure. He has a 65mm incision underneath his belly-button and three small incisions for camera and tools. Can you give us any idea why there is no pain? Thank you.
I donated a kidney to my mother in December 2009 with great success. We are both doing great, I think my mother is doing better than me, but based on the recovery symptoms, how long after you should experience these symptoms? I'm still experiencing numbness on the incision area near my belly button, as well as swelling on both of my hands, especially at night accompanied with back pain. Should I start to panic? Thank you.
Thanks for the info doc,I'm having radical nephrectomy in few weeks to come,I was scared when the doc told me that my left kidney is going to be removed bt now I'm nt because of all the info I got.gud luck to u all guys.
32
Ren
Count me in as one who's going to have a nephrectomy in a few weeks. My right kidney has UPJ obstruction and is only doing 26% of the work. The doctors don't feel like it's worth trying to fix as it's not doing very much at this juncture. I'm 44 and have probably had this my entire life unknowingly. Good luck everyone.
hi. was wondering about those who HAVE UNDERGONE partial nephrectomy for angiomyolipomas. i've 2 big cysts on my left kidney with an aggregate diameter of 10x7cm. i'm wondering if its really that painful? like a Pain Score of 9/10? I'm hoping it would just be about 5/10. Any experiences. I'm having surgery tomorrow.
34
Ren
Had laparascopic surgery to remove my right kidney on Thursday and came home on Friday. Not much pain at all, some numbness and it feels better to lie down than to sit up. Besides that, it was a lot easier than I imagined. Not taking any pain meds as there is not much pain at all.
35
Ravenmd
Well, its been exactly a month since i last logged in. My skin incision has healed well but my insides still feel painfull. Had an OPEN Partial nephrectomy removing a 12 x 11 x 5 cm kidney mass which indeed turned out to be an angiomyolipoma. My urologist ended up saving 50% of my kidney which was really swell as i've similar small cysts on my right kidney. Tried saving as much normal kidney as possible. Stayed in the hospital 5 days post-operatively. Now its been a month and i can still feel the pain of my muscles on my left side. Sometimes i feel dull pain at my left lumbar area. Maybe its whats left of my kidney adjusting to the new process it has to work with much lesser "manpower." hehe.. A DJ stent was left in place and shall be removed this week. Wish me luck!!
36
MaryC
I had a laparoscopic removal of my whole left Kidney 2 weeks ago. I had breathing complications during Surgery and spent 24 hours in high Dependency Unit before returning to the ward. I was in hospital for a total of 8 days but was given very little information on discharge. I have a lot of pain and the wounds themselves are very sore. I also have very little energy.
Can anyone shed any light on what I should be expecting in terms of recovery time? My consultant really didn't tell me much
Many Thanks :)
I have a staghorn stone in my right kidney. this was diagnosed the week of thanksgiving. the doctor went ahaead and put a nephrostomy tube in above the stone to drain the kidney since the stone is blcking the tube that drains into my bladder. all that is draining into the bag is pinkish yucky stuff maybe a little urine mixed in there , anyway they had scheduled me for a nephrectomy on 1/4/2012 but ran a nuclear medine test last week and said that the kidney is functioning at 15% so now they are talking about trying to save it and just get the stone out. i've been in and out of the hospital because i was running a fever on and off. all my lab work comes back negative for an infection so the infectious desease doctors are thinking that it is the stone itself that is causing my fevers. i'd rather they take the kidney out than trying for the stone which is the size of a golf ball (pretty much the size of my kidney) what is your opinion on this
38
layth
please send me more informations about labroscopic nephrectomy
39
kaye
brief and straight to the point
BUT SHOULD ADD MORE IN TERMS OF THE INDICATIONS AND THE TYPES OF THE PROCEDURE.
40
Anto
This is good information.I was diagnosed and the doctor found a severe UPJ blockage on my left kidney,this was like 3 months ago i have pain on my left abdomen that is really bad but on and off especially when i take alcohol.My doctor suggested a Nephrectomy surgergy but am very scared i dont know what to expect and how long it will take before i resume my normal duties especially my job.If you have any information kindly share
41
Anto
This is good information.I was diagnosed and the doctor found a severe UPJ blockage on my left kidney,this was like 3 months ago i have pain on my left abdomen that is really bad but on and off especially when i take alcohol.My doctor suggested a Nephrectomy surgergy but am very scared i dont know what to expect and how long it will take before i resume my normal duties especially my job.If you have any information kindly share
42
Amanda Packard
I am going to have a double kidney removal due to poltcystic Kidney disease. My son is donating one of his kidneys to me following the surgery. i would like to hear from someone else whom has had a similar experience just to talk about what i might expect.
43
Anne
I had a nephrectomy to remove my right kidney due to the fact that I had a very large stsghorn kidney stone sitting in there and blocking any and everythong going in or out. My urology doctor referred to a very good surgeon named Dr. Martha Terris and she did a excellent job. It was a difficult decision but I am glad I had the surgery because the pain is gone and no more trips to the emergency room or the doctor's office. The surgery is not bad at all especially if it is done laproscopically.
44
Lisa
hi i had a partial nephectomy to remove two angiomyolipoma's one 7cm x5cm the other 2.5cm x3cm on the 4th of april, im stil having a bit of pain, but i have spinal injury so due to cutting through one of the bodys core muscles i feel ive pulled it in some way, nevermind at least the thins are out and i have a follow up on 16th april, i hope the consultant allows me to drive then.
take care !
45
lena bhagat
i have poly cistic kidney from 15 yrs my urea 154,creatinine 3, hb-6-8.but from feb,2012,I am suffering uti itaken inj.Meropenam500tds\7days thrice now my dr. said to do nephrectomy after DTP scan,what will i can do else it, if there is no any other treatment?please suggest me ,my o.t will on 21.5.2012
46
laxman
Is it necessary one failed kidney be removed without any health complaint. liver,pancreas,gallbladder and right kidney is functioning well.
I am going to have my left kidney removed due to an abcess infection that was spetic in December 2011. I am diabetic with high blood pressure and high cholesterol and slighty obese. Is there anyone with similar health as myself that has had a nephrectomy and could give me some advice and an idea of recovery?? I would be greatful for this!!!
48
sherrie
I am very concerned about the fact that it is necessary to move the colon in the laparascopic procedure, according to a local surgeon. This seems to make it more likely there would be complications post-op. There was also an article in a local newspaper by a writer who had the laparoscopic procedure & had much more pain after than she thought she would/should have.
49
Tasha
I am going 2 have my Left kidney removed in 2 days, 7/27/12, I have been having poblems with UPJ obstuction for about 10 years,I have one of the best doctors in the world, when other dr's wanted to remove the kidney about 8 years ago he was determined to save it, I had to undergo what is called 'serial stenting'. I had stents replaced every 2 months, thru outpatient surgeries. This actually worked for many years, until I got pregnant with my son. Carrying the baby with a stent in place, that could not be changed properly, & also with him kicking & moving inside me , so close to the stent, caused irrepairable damage to the kidney. 2 years after his birth I underwent a calioscopy, where they removed the bottom half of my kidney that was dammaged & not working properly, in hopes that i would not have to conttinue with the stents. Although, I am here now preparing myself, my kids, & my family for me to loose my kidney I am EXTREMELY PROUD & THANKFUL for my doctor for giving me these last 8 years with the kidney, that otherwise would have been lost, when I was 24 years old, I am now 32, & ready for the surgery that I think is going to change my life!!! NO PAIN, NO PAIN!
My 16 year old son is having a partial Nephrectomy right kidney via open surgery, kidney does not drain correctly with a possible cyst of 7cm as per ultra sound and CT scan.
How ill this affect his long term health, Do we need special diets, will he be able to play contact sports such as rugby again

Regards
51
J. JOHNSON
Statement No. 27 asked the question: Is it normal for the site of the Nephrectomy to be larger
than the other side of the stomach. I had my surgery on 14 August and I am experiencing some
lightly colored drainage from the excision. My doctor said to just wash with soap and warm water, which I do twice daily. I do notice some improvement; however is there anything else I can do? I wish I had seen this site earlier as most of my fears would have been answered. Like
others I had no symptoms until I had an MRI for back and leg pain.
52
amanda
I had a Radical Nephrectomy Dec 15,2011, on my left Kidney. I was released on the 18th and was rushed back to the hosital on Christmas morning with a post operative secondary infection. It has been a LONG recovery from this surgery. I have been hospitalized 9 times and have had the incision opened 3 times. I have now developed an incisional hernia from having the incision. My right kidney function is beginning to drop and I really do not know what to do. I can not work being in and out of the hospital so much and because of that now my insurance has been dropped because I can't afford it. Sorry if I seem as if I am complaining, but I am really getting tired of Doctors who don't take it seriously because I don't have insurance. Any suggestions to a hospital or Doctor in the South East that would be able to help. Thanks.
53
Alex
I am just asking this for my mom, She had a partial kidney removal and she still feels numb and no feeling, and their is still pain including back pain . My mom also swell up in that area of the operation and still has a constant bump on that side the doctor says this is normal but she is wondering if any one else experiencing the same. It is now a year and a month since the operation her age is 75 is their any one past a year and going thru the same or in her age category and has the same problem any info would be great . I wish all of you the best and speedy recovery GOD bless thank you.
54
Bob Ralston
I had a radical nephrectomy 10-25-12... it was my rt. kidney and it was damaged when I was a child.. became a source of constant infection... so 40 years later it was time to come out.. What I decided was I would eat as healthy as I could so I could recover quickly... I had a laproscopic hand assisted procedure... once in recovery the pain was incredible... no fluids no food for almost 2 days... But I was out of the hospital in 1.5 days and back at work in 12 days.. no pain meds after 6 days.. the abdominals are very sore still... I have seepage from the incision and where they put the scopes in... but if you have to go through this and god forbid you do... please eat and be as healthy as you can so your body can recover quickly.. the kidney was negative for tumors cysts and cancer just severely atrophied...
55
Ms Mate
My mom, age 52. got radical nephrectomy on 12-Nov-2012, right now she don't have her both kidney due to Polycystic case. We are planning to do transplant, my elder brother's going to donate. All the test was done. But, again she got Lung infection, even today(i.e 12-Dec-2012) doctor's drain out around 700ml fluid from her Lung. When i asked doctor what infection is that, they answer me that they are also still studing. May u tell me what kind of infection it could be. From her previous report, her Lung was normal. And may u tell be how long my mom could survive without her both kidney. She continue dialysis on alternative day.
56
Dennis
I had a left partial nephrectomy on July 30, 2012 to remove a cancerous tumor. Due to an infection I also was required to have a JP drain tube to drain fluid from around the lower portion of the kidney. The incision healed very well but, some weeks later another infection was found along the last portion of the original incision. Another incision was made to remove the infected matter but we also removed 5 small pieces of plastic during the numerous packing of the wound that may have been left in the original surgical incision. The final healing process has been slow and very uncomfortable with a certain amount of "snot" like substance being squeezed out. Anyone have any ideas what the plastic material could be?
my 4yr old daughter has a left duplex kidney, with a eptopic ureta, which means she is incontinent and prone to recurrent uti's. we are waiting for her to have a nephrectomy as the offending kidney only works at 15%,i am really scared, has anybody else gone through this? i feel guilty about putting her through this, but at the same time excited about getting her fixed, how do you explain to a 4yr old whats going to happen? also any ideas on her recovery time?
58
Peggy
Mine is actually a question : My Nephrologist who removed scar tissue in my left urter stated, permant dammage to left kidney, it will die and have to be removed. I have had to move to another state, and have NOT
59
Robert Irmas
Interviewing Surgeons next week for a left side RPN or RN due to RCC. This article made me a lot smarter. I know a lot more of what I should expect.
60
Kathy
When I was around 12 (I am 30 now) I would always have really bad right flank pain. I went to the hospital and they told me oh you just have an infection. Well years went by and I always had to same pain. When I was 20 I moved from Texas to Oklahoma and during the move I was having severe sharp pains in my back and it felt like I had to push something out. I was rushed to the hospital in Oklahoma and for the first time in my whole life they decided to do a ctscan. He said I didn't have any infection in my urine but hurting as bad as I was he wanted to check and see if something wasn't wrong with the kidney. Results came back that I had a kidney stone the size of a golf ball that had completely killed my kidney. They didn't find any infection in my urine because my right kidney had completely stopped functioning. They admitted me into the hospital and said that they wanted to place a stint in my kidney and try to get the function to return and break up the stone with lithotripsy. They tried that and nothing happened. So after a couple of months they did a function test again on my kidney and still had not gotten any better. The kidney had so much infection that it was actually growing in size. They scheduled me for a simple right sided nephrectomy. I went in and they explained everything to me and drew the line on my stomach and side. I don't remember being wheeled into the room or being in the recovery room after. I didn't wake up (that I can remember) for a couple hours. They had inserted a drain tube to help get rid of infection and the pain was tolerable. My only complaint was my ribs hurt and they made me breath into that machine and it would hurt my ribs. I would say the recovery went well . I was in the hospital for 3 days and then sent home with pain meds. I would say I was at home 2 weeks before I decided to return to work. Just took things very slowly. Now it is 10 years later and I still have that big ugly scar. I still can't feel if you touch me on my right side and that side of my stomach is smaller than the other side. Also I notice sometimes you get little prickly pains in the scar area. I think that is just nerves firing away tho. If you have any questions ask your doctor. They are there for you!
61
Lynnette LaRoque
I am a 47 year old female. I had ureter issues (reflux) as a baby. At age four, they tried to repair the ureter at The University of Minnesota. 43 years and five children later, it has been decided to have a total nephrectomy. I have had dozens of UTI's over the past three years and cannot take it anymore. The above information has helped me to feel less anxious about a nephrectomy! With kidney function on the left side at >19% it is not worth putting up with. I pray it goes well. I am not afraid of the pain , but am worried if it's the right decision! Thanks for the information.
62
c smith
I just had my left kidney removed and attached to it was a tumor the size of a watermelon weighing a hair under 5 lbs. They did it laproscopically and made a 5 inch incision under my bellybutton. The cancer was called cromophobe renal cell carcinoma. It did not metastasize. 2 nights in the hospital. Sent me home with one unit of blokd short. They gave me 2 units and I didn't do well so they didn't give me the third. Pain meds for 2 weeks, when I went off I had night sweats for two nights. I still have bruises on my lower back, almost gone this 4th mo. I still have really bad flank pain after walking or standing for about 15 min. I have an app. with a neurologist at the end of this mo. I pee all the time and my innards move around. My bm's aren't normal yet either. Experience numb areas on my upper legs and I could swear my fat hurts, but fat doesn't have nerve endings, so I guess it is my skin. Longest recovery I have ever had. Pluss more stuff but I'm tired of typing😊
63
L.kelley
I am having my right kidney removed tomorrow through laparoscopy.i do not know what to expect.the kidney is dead with a large cyst. I was told that they were going through my side.what to expect
What is surgical incision of nephrotomy?
please explain for me..
65
Tammy ferrari
I had a partial nephrology 4/12 weeks ago! I had a benign tumor on the top part of my left kidney! It was rough for a few weeks , the incision site is doing great it's about 8 inches long on my left side! What I'm concerned about now is the middle of my tummy right under my ribs feels like a hard ball , swollen and tender to the touch! I've called the doc he says it's normal ,but I don't think it is! Maybe I'm wrong but I'm just going by what my body is telling me! Has anyone else experienced this??
66
myrna
On June 30 of 2015 is wen I had my partical nephrology on my left kidney due to a small mass .It took me a bit to get use to moving around and propped a pillow behind my back to lay on the couch and would help a lot with the pain.There sometimes that I feel that my organs are been pulled from opposite sides at times.Then I also felt a hard ball above my incision and it me wondering if I have a hernia there from all the strain I have been doing to move are get comfortable.I will see a doctor in 3weeks is this normal.For a ball to come out .
67
william
I had a hand assist laparoscopic right-side nephrectomy. Wby is the post- surgical pain and swelling all on the left (opposite) side?
68
Bellyne Alcazar
Hi, im 54 years old and was diagnosed for left kidney renal mass, I had an ultrasound and CT scan done and confirmed that i have lipoma or angiomyolipoma in my left kidney and the size is 4.8. I showed it to my Urologist doctor and he said that we will going to have surgery. Now my concern is what is the best surgery procedure for this? Is it laparoscopic or open surgery. Please give me light so i can decide. Thanks
69
Debra
If a kidney starts to bleed during a transplant surgery what is done to stop the bleeding if it is severe?
70
Leon
I am a 54yo male and I had my left kidney removed laprascopically in June this year. This had to be done due to renal cell carcinoma and, as a result, I no longer have any cancer. I find that 4-5 months after the operation I am having trouble maintaining my weight. I have gained around 5 kilos and whilst previously I had no trouble losing weight through diet and exercise, this is no longer the case. I have lost a lot of my fitness and seem to be more lethargic. I don't know if this is due to the nephrectomy or just old age catching up with me.
71
Carla
Bellyne I had a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy 2 weeks ago to remove a large angiomyolipoma and still have some pain/aching around incisions and where the kidney is. Just taking tylenol and ibuprofen for the discomfort and will continue until I don't need to as a couple of cutting back episodes resulted in more pain and pharmacist says a person won't heal as well unless they are comfortable. Bellyne, all information I've gotten from Drs and google point to the fact that recovery is much quicker and easier if procedure is done laparoscopicly . Good Luck !! Thankfully Angiomyolipoma are benign lesions .
72
tanya
How long is surgery for a right lap radical nephrectomy to be done will have it done monday.
Hello every one, I was a kidney donor on August 25 2015 for my friends daughter, thank god all is well so far
I just was wondering about the sudden stabbing feeling I get at times in the fold top part of my leg and also I still have numbness in the same area, it's been just three months I guess I have to wait it out and if I have to live with it so be it, for what my friends daughter went through in the beginning of her 20's she is now 25yrs. Old, this is nothing and if I had to do it again I will. I wish each and everyone of you well and that all your medical health problems be cured many blessing to you all and happy holiday!!
74
Mike
I have a father who is 90 and needs to have a kidney and a right urethra removed. Any chance of knowing what his survival right maybe?
Thanks,
Mike
75
Michelle
hi, I just wanted to know if you can get kidney stones on your left side if there is no kidney there...I donated my kidney to my brother 18 yrs ago..I am having pain just above my left hip and little pain in my back...some people say it might be kidney stones...just curious...thanks
76
Marty
60 yr old male, I have had two colon resections due to cancer, one in 2011 and again in 2012 the second one resulted in complications developed a mega colon, sepsis, came close to death as a result and rushed back into surgery, they removed another 2/3rds of my colon, and connected to a temporary ileostomy bag for 3 months, during that time due to the high output and the lack of attention from the surgeon on follow up, had gone into acute renal failure, this whole episode I was gravely sick. Which brings me to this topic, I have been diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of my left kidney, with two 8mm stones. Because of previous operations for colon cancer, and all the scar tissue, and complications with prior surgery, I have had a really bad time finding a urologist in Orlando Florida to perform the needed open radical nephrectomy ( removal of the kidney ) Because of the complexity of the surgery ( high risk and very complicated ) Any suggestions as to where I can find a urologist that performs this type of surgery would be appreciated. Living in severe pain 24/7 for the last 6 months
77
Krystal
I had a partial open preformed on my left kidney last summer 2015 to remove renal carcinoma. The January 2014I had a gastric sleeve for weight loss. Since my open last summer it seems that i no longer have the full feeling or any feeling in my stomach. Is there a possibility that during my open that there was nerve damage to my stomach? I am just curious I have an appy with my bariatric surgeon but it takes forever to get in to see him.
How do I see the answers of these people's ongoing kidney surgeries
79
Steve
Hello all. I will be having a bilateral radical nephrectomy sometime in coming months due to polycystic kidney disease. Does anyone have experience recovering or knowing someone that recovered from that surgery? I assume the incision will be plenty large in order to get both kidneys out cleanly. I also assume jumping right into dialysis while going through surgical recovery might not be very fun.
80
Donna myers
On Dec. 2, I will be having a partial robotic nephrectomy to remove a tumor from my right kidney. My Dr. says it is in the worst possiblel position for removal.? if he can't reach it, he will have to go to a radical open procedure. How and when will the crossover occur and how much more time will be added to the length of the recovery period.
81
peggy grigsby
Hello everyone, I am 47 years old,had a left kidney removed by laparoscopic surgery last Christmas 2015,had a 12 centimeter tumor,it was renal cell carcinoma,stage 3,i am now being watched carefully because i had a gel break and that increases chances for it to come back,so far it has not,which is great,just scary thinking it would come back later and be somewhere on my left side,attacking ureter or lungs,has anyone experienced this ?also my left kidney is working too hard keeping me from using contrast for the follow up ct scans,please let me know if anyone of you readers have went through what i have been going through,God Bless
82
VS.Paul
My wife now 33 yrs(2017}donated her left kidney in 2014 Jan. sometimes she complaints of pains during cough and sometime used to bleed in her private part ,we consulted doctor and report was normal( KFT,pep smear). I'm feel really worry.Why?please help me/her.
83
Carrie
My husband just went through a partial nephrectomy with the result being clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The surgery was a success, however due to the length of the surgery (7hrs) he was placed in a position that compromised his back muscle and has been diagnosed with Rhabdomylosis. His CPK levels are still in the 2000 range but his renal function has decreased. Can someone help me with what the recuperation time will me for this?
Have cancer on right kidney,not sure what to do.I am a little scared.but I'm going to leave it in God's hands.hope everything goes well whatever we do.
85
Jeff
I had my left kidney removed thirty three years ago when I was 24 due to a congenital blockage of the ureter. Never knew what caused the extreme pain I'd experienced back in my college days, particularly when I'd had a beer or three. Then, when on a date some years later, I noticed I was passing blood when I went to the bathroom. Surgery the very next day and out of work for maybe five weeks. I'm now 57, have been living without any related health issues for all these years, and wish the best to all who may have renal issues.
86
Evelyn
My 19 months old son will be undergoing labroscopic nephrectomy due to dyplastic kidney and a grade 5 reflux. His left kidney is only functioning at 7% whist the right kidney is doing 93 % of the job. His surgeon plan to do circumcision for him at the same time.. I really don't know what to expect, hows the recovery how.. I still can't imagine how to remove a kidney through the small keyhole.
87
Klager
Had a partial robotic nephrectomy on left kidney. Bosniak 4. Turned out great. I worry I may have pushed my recovery too quick.
Is it possible to do injury to the surgical site, on the kydney, without knowing it?

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