Kidney Removal Surgery

Kidney Removal Surgery Causes, Types, Recovery

Kidney removal surgery may be done for a number of reasons. It is done most often because a kidney has become diseased and no longer functions. This is situation is known as kidney failure, renal failure, renal insufficiency, or kidney insufficiency.

A kidney infection that impairs kidney function can also be a reason for kidney removal surgery. Such infections are classified as an acute kidney infection or a chronic kidney infection. An acute infection occurs in a relatively short period of time, is characterized by severe symptoms, and then goes away. It's often caused by germs that migrate upward from the bladder through the the ureters.

However, a chronic kidney infection takes a long time to develop and gets progressively worse. There are usually no symptoms that anything is wrong until significant kidney damage has been done. Without treatment, it can result in kidney failure.

Other common reasons for kidney removal surgery include

• The kidney has become cancerous and threatens the life of the patient.
• There has been a severe injury or trauma to the kidney.
• One person is donating a kidney to another and kidney removal surgery is necessary for a transplant procedure.
• Because of a birth defect.

Kidney removal surgery is also known as a nephrectomy.

How Is Kidney Removal Surgery Done?

Currently, there are three basic types of kidney removal surgery:

Simple nephrectomy This only involves removal of a kidney itself.

Radical nephrectomy This is a more complicated type of kidney removal surgery because it involves removal of the kidney, the adrenal gland above the kidney, the surrounding fatty tissue, and the lymph nodes next to the kidney. This type of procedure is often done when the kidney is cancerous.

Partial nephrectomy This type of kidney removal surgery is usually done when the patient has only one kidney. The removal involves only part of the kidney, or it may involve removing a tumor from the kidney.

Kidney removal surgery is done under general anesthesia. Depending on the type of procedure, a rib may need to be taken out as part of the operation.

For decades, open surgery was used for removing a kidney. This means the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdominal area, removes the kidney, and then closes the incision.

In recent years, laparoscopic kidney removal surgery has made it possible to remove the kidney through a series of much smaller incisions (only about one inch). Laparoscopic kidney removal surgery is much less invasive and reduces recovery time significantly. 

Recovery from Kidney Removal Surgery

As mentioned above, recovery time for kidney removal cases will vary depending on the type of surgery that was performed.

Immediately following the surgery, you'll receive IV fluids and pain medication. Blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate will be checked often.

You may have to have a urinary catheter for a short time after surgery. This is a tube that helps drain urine.

Hospital stays generally range from 2 to 7 days, depending on your age, overall health, the type of kidney removal surgery, and any complications. Surgery can be complicated by bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia.

You can gradually return to normal activities when you feel ready, but avoid strenuous exercise or activity for about 6 weeks after your operation.

Learn more about the dangers of kidney disease by clicking on the book cover below or

The Kidney Disease Solution