When part or all of a kidney is removed in surgery, the procedure is called a nephrectomy. It may also be referred to as nephrectomy surgery. When the kidneys become irreparably damaged or diseased and kidney function is compromised, nephrectomy surgery is often necessary.
One of the important jobs done by the kidneys is collecting and removing toxins and wastes from the bloodstream. This cleaning process is how urine is produced.
A nephrectomy is done as a treatment for one of several possible kidney problems. Kidney cancer and kidney failure are two of the most typical reasons for a nephrectomy.
Doctors use the term “complete” or “radical nephrectomy” to describe a procedure in which the whole kidney is taken out. If only part of the kidney is removed, it’s called a partial nephrectomy. When someone donates a healthy kidney to another person it’s called a donor nephrectomy.
There are two common ways nephrectomy surgery can be done and they are listed below:
1. Laparoscopic Nephrectomy – When the surgeon makes a series of small incisions in the abdomen instead of one large one, it’s called a laparoscopic nephrectomy. This is a minimally invasive procedure which uses a camera attached to a tube to guide the surgeon’s movements as he or she removes tissue.
2. Open Nephrectomy – This procedure means the surgeon removes the kidney through one single large open incision in the patient’s side. This is the “traditional” way of removing a kidney, and it requires a longer recovery period than a laparoscopic nephrectomy.
The type of surgery performed will depend on the reason for the surgery and how much of the kidney needs to be removed.
You may be asking at this point what factors determine how much tissue needs to be taken out.
It depends on a number of different things. The first thing the surgeon will consider will be how much of the kidney is damaged or affected by disease. The doctor will have to determine if the problem affects only one area or only one kidney. He or she will want to determine if affects nearby tissue or the other kidney.
Several tests are available to help your doctor determine the answers to these questions, including:
Ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the kidney and the tissues around it.
Computerized Tomography – This involves specialized X-ray technology which creates a series of thin, cross-sectional views of tissue. Also known as CT or CT scanning.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Popularly known as “MRI.” This test uses a magnetic field and radio waves that produce 3D images or a cross-sectional view of the soft tissues.
After the tests have been run and a diagnosis has been made, the surgeon will decide which kind of surgery is best for you.
Your recovery time will depend on which type of surgery you’ve had and your overall health.
Long term complications from a nephrectomy may occur.. Your body was designed to function with two kidneys, so when one is removed, you overall health can be affected. You are more likely to develop high blood pressure and you may be more prone to chronic kidney disease. But most of the time, people who have had a nephrectomy recover fully and lead normal, healthy lives once again.
You can get additional information on this and related similar topics by clicking kidney removal, nephrectomy or kidney problems.
Related posts:
- Kidney Removal Surgery: What Is a Nephrectomy?
- A Dangerous Kidney Problem Or Kidney Failure From Imported Skin Lightening Brands: Can It Happen?
- An Easy Kidney Test Can Prevent Dangerous Kidney Trouble
- An Easy Kidney Test Can Prevent Serious Kidney Conditions
- A Serious Kidney Health Threat: Chronic Kidney Failure and Its Symptoms
