Nephrectomy: Understanding Kidney Removal Surgery

Nephrectomy is surgical removal of a kidney.

Indications

• Kidney cancer – most common; radical nephrectomy removes kidney, adrenal, fat, nodes.
• Chronic kidney disease – end-stage, non-functioning kidney causing hypertension, infection, or metabolic complications.
• Large/complex stones – unresponsive to less invasive measures.
• Trauma – irreparable renal injury.
• Donation – living donor nephrectomy for transplant.

Approaches

• Laparoscopic/robotic – minimally invasive, faster recovery.
• Open – large incision; for complex tumors or anatomy.

Unilateral vs. Bilateral

Usually one kidney is removed. Bilateral nephrectomy (both kidneys) necessitates immediate dialysis or transplant.

Most patients recover fully and live normally with one kidney.