Nephrectomy

Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a kidney, either partially or completely. It may be indicated for various reasons, including benign or malignant tumors, kidney damage, kidney donation, or other medical conditions. As a part of the Department of Uro-Oncology at Sterling Hospitals, nephrectomy is a specialized surgical procedure performed by experienced urologists to treat kidney-related conditions. 

Indications for nephrectomy may include: 

• Renal cancer: Nephrectomy may be recommended for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of kidney cancer. It may involve removing the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy) or just the tumor and a portion of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) depending on the location and size of the tumor. 
• Benign kidney tumors: Nephrectomy may be performed to remove benign tumors such as angiomyolipomas or oncocytomas that cause symptoms, are growing in size, or are causing other complications. 
• Kidney damage: In cases of severe kidney damage or non-functioning kidney due to chronic kidney disease or other conditions, nephrectomy may be performed to remove the affected kidney. 
• Kidney donation: Nephrectomy may be done for living kidney donation, where a healthy individual donates one kidney for transplantation into a recipient with end-stage renal disease. 

Types of nephrectomy may include: 

• Radical nephrectomy: This involves the complete removal of the affected kidney along with the adjacent lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. It may be done for kidney cancer or other conditions that require removal of the entire kidney. 
• Partial nephrectomy: Also known as nephron-sparing surgery, this involves removing only the tumor and a portion of the kidney while preserving the healthy portion of the kidney. It is usually preferred for smaller tumors or when preserving kidney function is important. 

Recovery after nephrectomy depends on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health. It may involve a hospital stay of a few days, pain management, monitoring of kidney function, and gradual resumption of normal activities. In some cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended after nephrectomy for cancer. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are essential for long-term management. 

The Department of Uro-Oncology at Sterling Hospitals is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team of urologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care for patients requiring nephrectomy. Individualized treatment plans, meticulous surgical techniques, and personalized care are the hallmarks of the department, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing nephrectomy or other uro-oncological procedures.