Anephrectomyis a surgery to remove all or part of akidney.
This procedure is usually done to treat kidney damage or diseases likekidney cancer.
It can also be performed to remove a healthy kidney from a donor fortransplant.
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Surgical approaches for nephrectomy include a traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robotic surgery.
Full recovery can take up to three months.
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What Is a Nephrectomy?
Nephrectomy is thepartial or complete removal of a kidney.
It is performed by a urologicsurgeon.
Contraindications
Nephrectomy is considered on a case-by-case basis for adults and children.
Youll be told what time to arrive at the location to check-in and get settled before the surgery.
Your surgeon will likely direct you not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure.
Medications
Before the procedure, you may have to stop taking some medications and supplements.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
Your surgeon will encourage you tostop smokingat least two weeks before andafter surgery.
Cigarette smoke affects blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the surgical wound.
This not only slows down healing but increases the risk of treatment failure.
Then, youll change out of your clothes into a hospital gown.
Fluids and any medications needed will be administered through that IV line.
They may also clip any excess hair on the abdomen or flank area.
The surgeon will also mark the side of surgery.
From there, you will be wheeled into the operating room.
Acatheteris also placed in the urethra to collect urine and measure urine output.
After you’re fully under anesthesia, your surgery will begin.
During the Surgery
Your nephrectomy may be anopen surgeryor a laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery.
During this time, a nurse will monitor your vital signs.
Your diet will start with liquids and advance to solids as the recovery period continues.
This is normal.Your medical team will work with you to manage post-surgical pain or other symptoms with medications.
It’s important to avoid any undue stress at this point in the recovery process.
Emotional Toll of Surgery
Serious surgeries like a nephrectomy can sometimes cause emotional distress.
It’s normal to feel anxious, depressed, orworriedto some degree.
Long-Term Care
After a nephrectomy, you’ll need to check-in with your healthcare provider more often.
Your surgeon will want to meet with you several times after the surgery to ensure you’re recovering properly.
This surgery can also be performed if your kidney is getting donated for transplant.
Full recovery can take up to six to 12 weeks.
For support with the kidney removal and transplant process, visit theNational Kidney Foundation.
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