Introduction

Nephrectomy is the partial or complete removal of a kidney, carried out to treat kidney cancer or damage. It can also be done to donate a healthy kidney from a donor for transplantation.

You may need a nephrectomy if you have a kidney problem that cannot be treated with other methods, such as medication, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Available Treatment for Nephrectomy

• Open nephrectomy, the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen or the side to access the kidney. This is the traditional method of nephrectomy and may be preferred for large or complex tumors or other conditions.
• Laparoscopic nephrectomy, small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a camera and special instruments to perform the surgery. This is a minimally invasive method that may result in less pain, bleeding, and scarring, and faster recovery.
• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, this process include the use of a computer console to control a robotic system that performs the surgery. This is a more advanced form of laparoscopic nephrectomy that may offer more precision and flexibility.

Types of Nephrectomy

• Partial nephrectomy, is only where the diseased portion of the kidney is removed. This type of nephrectomy can also be performed as an open surgery or a laparoscopic/robotic surgery, using a small tool with a camera and tiny incisions.
• Radical nephrectomy, in this type of nephrectomy the entire kidney is removed. Which include removing the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder) and the adrenal gland (the hormone-producing gland above the kidney). This can also be done as an open surgery or a laparoscopic/robotic surgery.

Some common indications for nephrectomy

• Kidney cancer
• Kidney donation
• Kidney diseases or injuries

Other conditions that may require a nephrectomy

• Other conditions that may require a nephrectomy
• Chronic infection
• Non-functioning or poorly functioning kidney
• Congenitally small kidney

Other conditions that may require a nephrectomy

• Other conditions that may require a nephrectomy
• Chronic infection
• Non-functioning or poorly functioning kidney
• Congenitally small kidney

Risk factors for nephrectomy

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to nearby organs
• Pneumonia
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Kidney failure.

Nephrostomy: A nephrostomy is a process a surgeon or radiologist inserts a temporary thin plastic tube catheter to drain urine from your kidney into a collecting bag outside your body to relieve a blockage in the urinary tract.

You may need a nephrostomy if you have a blockage in your urinary tract that prevents urine from flowing normally from your kidney to your bladder.

Tips for nephrostomy tube

• Drink 2 to 3 liters of liquid each day: there should be about 30 to 60 milliliters of urine draining into the bag each hour. A large amount of urine that drains over a shorter time should be reported. (Unless you were told to limit liquids for another medical condition).
• Keep the site covered when you shower:tape a piece of clear adhesive plastic over the dressing to keep it dry while you shower. Do not take tub baths.

When to see a professional healthcare provider

• The skin around the nephrostomy tube is red, swollen, itches, or has a rash.
• You have a fever.
• You have lower back or hip pain.
• There are changes in how your urine looks or smells.
• A large amount of urine is draining into the drainage bag over a short time.
• You have little or no urine draining from the nephrostomy tube.
• You have nausea and are vomiting.
• The black mark on your tube has moved or is longer than when it was put in.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Nephrectomy; and Nephrostomy are different types of procedures that involve the kidneys. Life after these procedures varies depending on the type and extent of the surgery, the reason for the surgery, and the patient's overall health and kidney function.

It is important to follow the instructed lifestyle, diet, follow-up care, and tests to monitor the kidney function as instructed by a professional healthcare provider to refrain from recurrence or complications.