Partial nephrectomy

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Partial Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part of the kidney. This procedure is typically performed when a patient has a kidney tumor or other kidney-related diseases. The goal of a partial nephrectomy is to remove the diseased or damaged tissue while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Partial Nephrectomy is often indicated for patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer. It may also be used to treat benign kidney tumors, complex cysts, or other kidney diseases that affect only a portion of the kidney.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

During a partial nephrectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the patient's abdomen or side. The kidney is then located and the diseased or damaged portion of the kidney is removed. The remaining healthy kidney tissue is then sewn back together. The procedure can be performed using traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

As with any surgical procedure, partial nephrectomy carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding organs, and complications from anesthesia. There is also a risk that not all of the diseased tissue will be removed, which could lead to a recurrence of the disease.

Recovery[edit | edit source]

Recovery from a partial nephrectomy can take several weeks. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a period of time after the surgery. Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider are also important to monitor the patient's recovery and to check for any signs of recurrence.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Partial nephrectomy Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD