Causes, Types And Risk Of Kidney Removal Surgery

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs present in the abdomen. Kidney removal or Nephrectomy is a major surgery conducted to remove the whole or a part of the kidney.

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The causes leading to kidney removal are-

• Damaged kidney
• Cancer of kidney
• The improper functioning of kidney and
• Also for a kidney transplant.

Types of Kidney removal surgery

Partial nephrectomy

In this, a small part of the kidney is removed. The surgeon performs this procedure with a small incision.

Radical or simple nephrectomy

In this procedure, the whole kidney is removed. This involves a longer incision and removal of adjacent structures and glands.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy

In laparoscopic nephrectomy series of small incisions are made. It is also known as robotic surgery where a camera is inserted, and the surgeon operates through a computer. This surgery may take a long time, but it is less painful and has less recovery time. This procedure is preferred over open surgery. Some of the advantages of laparoscopy include less hospital stay, smaller incisions, and less post-operative complications.

Risks associated

Though nephrectomy is a safe procedure, every surgery carries some risks, like

• Increased bleeding
• Chances of infection
• Stroke or heart attack
• Some allergic reactions to anaesthesia
• Post-surgical pneumonia
• Injury to adjacent organs

Everyone is born with two kidneys, but the human body can work well with a single kidney. Nephrectomy done for kidney transplantation carries less risk. This is because a surgeon conducts a careful evaluation and prior tests to carry out the surgery successfully. Reports say that most of the kidney donors live a healthy and long life.

Recovery phase

It usually takes three to six weeks for recovery. Hospital stay for a week or more may be required. Doctors recommend following a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain a normal kidney function. With some lifestyle and dietary changes, a patient can lead a healthy and active life.