In a radical nephrectomy, the whole kidney is removed. In a partial nephrectomy, only the diseased piece of the kidney is removed.
Kidney removal may need to be done because of:
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Long-term complications from decreased kidney function may include:
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications, such as:
Your blood type is checked. This is done in case a blood transfusion is needed before or after surgery.
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
Do not eat or drink after midnight before the procedure. You may need to take medication to cleanse your bowels.
General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep during the procedure.
A tube called a catheter will be inserted into your bladder. An incision will be made in the abdomen or side of the abdomen. A rib may need to be removed to access the kidney. The tube from the kidney to the bladder is known as the ureter. If the whole kidney is being removed, the ureter and blood vessels will be cut before kidney will then be removed. If only part of the kidney is removed the ureter and blood vessels will be kept. The incision will be closed.
Laparoscopic surgery may also be used for a nephrectomy. Several keyhole incisions are made in the area. The abdominal cavity will be inflated with gas. A laparoscope, a long tool with a camera on the end, will be inserted through one of the holes. This allows the doctor to see inside you. Tools will be inserted through the other holes to perform the surgery. The same steps will be used to detach the kidney. A small incision will be made to remove the kidney.
Between 2-4 hours
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
The typical hospital stay after a nephrectomy is 2-7 days. The exact length depends on the type of surgery. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications occur.
IV fluids and pain medication will be given after surgery. Blood pressure, electrolytes, and fluid balance will all be carefully monitored to evaluate kidney function. A urinary catheter is often needed for a short time following surgery.
You will be encouraged to move around and be cautiously active as symptoms allow.
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
Avoid difficult exercise or activities for about 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
If both kidneys are removed hemodialysis or kidney transplantation will be necessary.
Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health Canada
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Andersen MH, Mathisen L, Oyen O, et al. Postoperative pain and convalescence in living kidney donors—laparoscopic versus open donor nephrectomy: a randomized study. Am J Transplant. 2006;6(6):1438-1443.
Bartlett ST, Schweitzer EJ. Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy for kidney transplantation. Dialysis and Transplantation.1999;28(6):318-331.
Dunn MD, Portis AJ, Shalhav AL, et al. Laparoscopic versus open radical nephrectomy: A 9-year experience. J Urol. 2000;164(4):1153-1159.
Fabrizio MD, Ratner LE, et al. Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions website. Available at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/brady-urology-institute/specialties/divisions-programs/minimally-invasive-surgery/kidney-donation/laparoscopic-live-donor-nephrectomy.html. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Kidney cancer. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/kidney-cancer. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Park YH, Byun SS, Kang SH, et al. Comparison of hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with open radical nephrectomy for pT1-2 clear cell renal-cell carcinoma: a multi-institutional study. J Endourol. 2009;23(9):1485-1489.
6/3/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T905141/Treatm...-for-tobacco-use: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Alan Drabkin, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.