What is a Nephrectomy?

Introduction

Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the damaged kidney from a patient due to various health-related complications. The best Nephrologist in India will diagnose accurately and treat the symptoms of patients skilfully. Surgeons will remove the full kidney with radical nephrectomy or segregate a portion of the kidney with the partial nephrectomy method. This surgical treatment is considered a life-saving option for those suffering from cancer or kidney-related disease.

What is a Nephrectomy?

When a single kidney or a portion of the kidney is removed during the surgical process it is called a nephrectomy. If both the kidneys are removed surgically then it is known as bilateral nephrectomy.

Types of Nephrectomy

There are two categories of nephrectomy surgical techniques performed by surgeons to treat patients. 

Partial nephrectomy

Sometimes only a portion of the patient’s kidney might be diseased and in such cases, surgeons will remove only that part of the kidney. The partial nephrectomy procedure may be performed by robotic or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy procedure. You can Consult a Nephrologist in India about this treatment option for your kidney health condition. 

Radical nephrectomy

Radical nephrectomy is a surgical procedure performed by surgeons for removing the entire portion of the kidney to treat patients with chronically diseased kidneys. During this operation, the surgeons will also be removing a portion of the ureter from the tube connecting with the urinary bladder. This process of ureter removal during the process of surgery is known as nephroureterectomy. Sometimes the adrenal glands located above the pair of kidneys might also be removed. The radical nephrectomy process can be performed as robotic or laparoscopic or through open surgery extensively. 

Open surgery and laparoscopic methods

During the laparoscopic nephrectomy treatment procedures, small incisions are made to insert a piece of small medical equipment fitted with a camera. But in open nephrectomy treatment surgeons will be making a larger cut and will be viewing the issues directly without any camera usage. 

The robotic laparoscopic nephrectomy treatment procedures of manipulating tools are performed by Top Kidney Hospitals in India using robots that are controlled and monitored by surgeons. The robotic nephrectomy is an amazing evolution of medical technology that offers advantages such as the following: 

• A shorter period of hospitalisation.
• Reduction of discomfort and pain.
• Minimal blood transfusion, scarring and blood loss caused.
• Speedy recovery. 

Steps for laparoscopic nephrectomy

• The surgeon will be making one or multiple smaller incisions in the side or abdomen. 
• Tiny surgical tools are inserted at the same time along with a camera through these incisions. 
• The inner images captured by the camera are viewed on a big screen monitor. 
• Surgeons monitor the camera images to remove the infected kidney portions. 
• Once the procedure is completed surgeons will close the incisions with stitches. 

Steps for radical nephrectomy

• Surgeons will make an incision through your abdomen and open it. 
• Next, the infected kidney portion or the entire kidney is removed. 
• Then the incision is sutured up in perfect condition. 

Postoperative recovery period

Patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy treatment will be required to stay in the hospital for a shorter period as they recover quicker. In severe health conditions, Doctors might recommend open surgery.

Since in the surgical process patients will be given anesthesia they will have to stay for a longer period in the hospital. In some cases where there is a large lump or tumor in the kidney. Doctors will opt for an open surgical procedure rather than a laparoscopic nephrectomy. The kidney transplant and Nephrectomy in India is flourishing and successful with an amazing team of highly qualified professionals. 

Reasons for removing the kidney

1. Tumour formed in the kidney

The first reason that leads to the removal of the kidney could be the formation of a tumor. This lump might be cancerous or noncancerous. Either way, the tumor will be removed immediately to stop the spreading of the tumor to other parts of the body. 

2. Infections

In some patients, the inner layers of the kidney might be infected with diseases. During a period the infected kidney becomes unhealthy and weak. Therefore, the kidneys will not be able to function normally and shows adverse symptoms.  In such cases, surgeons will remove the infected kidney through the open surgery option. 

3. Donation 

Another selfless and excellent reason for kidney removal is nephrectomy is performed when a person decides to donate his or her kidney that is functioning properly. Usually, they might be donating to family members like a parent, child, sister or brother.
Similarly, people can also donate to those with whom they are emotionally connected as friends and family. The donor should be in good health condition both mentally and physically to be fit for kidney donation.  

Preparing for nephrectomy 

Blood samples will be observed to know the type of blood and to determine if blood transfusion might be needed during the surgical treatment process. Your doctor will prepare you before the nephrectomy process by recommending proper medications. 

If you are taking blood thinners you will be advised to stop taking them before surgery. The night before surgery you will be instructed to stop eating and drinking any fluids. 

Conclusion 

We are all born with a pair of kidneys and still, we can survive the rest of our journey through life with just a single kidney. When doctors remove both your kidneys due to various health issues, dialysis or kidney transplantation will be their treatment options to be alive. Vanya Health Medical Value Travel India is an excellent platform that provides rich information about premium quality healthcare services available in India at affordable price rates.