Our team of kidney specialists will work with you to develop a care plan that not only addresses improving and treating your physical health, but your emotional health as well. AHN delivers state-of-the-art surgical expertise from highly trained and experienced surgeons.
A nephrectomy can be performed for a variety of reasons, including:
There are different types of nephrectomies, depending on what part(s) of the kidney will be removed:
The procedure itself can be performed through an open incision (a larger cut) or laparoscopically/robotically (smaller incisions with the use of specialized instruments and a camera). Laparoscopic nephrectomy is generally associated with less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to open surgery. The choice of surgical approach depends on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the reason for the nephrectomy, and the surgeon's expertise.
At AHN, we see you. That means we take an individual approach to each person we see — never relying on a one-size-fits-all approach to care. Our kidney surgeons and kidney physicians are board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology. Board certification means our doctors passed exams demonstrating their expertise in kidney disease care. AHN kidney surgeons are some of the highest volume providers for kidney surgery in the area. They also stay up to date with the latest kidney disease care practices. Their level of training shows you can count on us for care that meets your needs. Our nephrologists (doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating kidney conditions) work alongside other AHN physicians to help you get the best possible care — even for complex conditions that are difficult to treat.
A nephrectomy is a significant surgery that requires ample preparation to help produce the best outcome possible. A healthy kidney is crucial for overall health. Nephrectomy aims to preserve the remaining kidney's health whenever possible. Your AHN care team will go over, in detail, with you about what to expect. But having an understanding prior to that conversation can help you in feeling more confident in the time leading up to the surgery.
Before your surgery, you will likely undergo several tests and exams, including but not limited to, a comprehensive medical exam that reviews your medical history. This conversation should review the current medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, as some can result in adverse effects during surgery. Your doctor may suggest dietary adjustments — perhaps limiting foods high in fat, as those can increase the risk of nausea after surgery. Pre-surgery, you will also likely have blood and urine tests, imaging studies, ECGs, and sometimes X-rays.
Surgery day involves several steps to ensure a safe and efficient procedure. Pre-surgery, your doctor will review the plan with you and the goals of the nephrectomy. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and allow you to focus on your upcoming surgery. Most often on the day of a nephrectomy surgery, you will follow these steps:
After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room for monitoring. Your vital signs will be closely tracked, and pain medication will be administered as needed. You’ll likely have a catheter in place temporarily to drain urine. The duration of your hospital stay will depend on your overall health, the type of nephrectomy performed, and your recovery progress. Hospitalization may be as brief as outpatient surgery to as long as a few days or more.
Recovery time after a nephrectomy varies considerably depending on the type of surgery, individual health, and postoperative complications. Expect some pain, fatigue, and discomfort during your recovery, but this will gradually decrease with time and proper pain management. You will likely need help with everyday tasks initially. A full recovery could take several weeks or months. Your surgeon and health care team will discuss a realistic recovery timeline with you after the surgery, including when you can return to work, resume physical activity, and when follow-up appointments will be scheduled.
A nephrectomy can bring about many questions. If you are looking at your options and your doctor has recommended a nephrectomy, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. AHN is here to help walk you through your options and provide information that will help you feel confident in your care plan decision-making.
People who have a nephrectomy don't typically need dialysis, but it depends on several factors. If they only had one kidney before the nephrectomy (perhaps due to a congenital condition or a previous nephrectomy), then dialysis will likely be necessary afterward. Even with two kidneys initially, if the remaining kidney is significantly damaged or diseased, dialysis might be required. The health of the remaining kidney before and after the surgery is the key determinant.
Follow-up appointments and tests will depend on the individual case, but post-operative nephrectomy patients will have some combination of blood and urine tests, imaging studies, blood pressure monitoring, and physical exams to see how the body is functioning and how the patient’s overall health is post-surgery.
After nephrectomy, many patients go on to live long and healthy lives, especially if the cancer was detected and treated early. However, for those with advanced-stage cancer, the prognosis depends on the type and stage of kidney cancer, the patient’s overall health, and how they respond to treatment and surgery.
Please call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 to schedule a nephrectomy.
