Partial nephrectomy is an important procedure used in kidney surgery. This operation is performed to remove kidney tumors or other diseased tissues. Partial nephrectomy is preferred in cases where removal of the entire kidney is not necessary, thus helping to preserve healthy kidney tissue. Here are key points about partial nephrectomy:

Who Is It Suitable For?

Partial nephrectomy is especially suitable for patients with kidney cancer or similar kidney diseases. This procedure is preferred when the size and location of the tumor do not require removal of the entire kidney. However, if the tumor is very large but the patient has only one kidney or poor kidney function, surgeons may still attempt partial nephrectomy under challenging conditions. Since the goal is to preserve as much healthy kidney tissue as possible, the treatment plan is created by considering the patients health status and tumor characteristics. Doctors determine the most appropriate treatment option by evaluating the patients history, medical background, and current health status.

How Is Partial Nephrectomy Performed?

Partial nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a tumor from the kidney. During this operation, open surgery or minimally invasive (laparoscopic, robotic) techniques are used to access the affected area of the kidney. In open surgery, an incision is made in the abdominal area to reach the kidney tumor. In minimally invasive methods, surgeons use special surgical instruments and a camera through smaller incisions. The tumor is carefully removed by the surgeons while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are sutured and the recovery process begins. The choice of surgical method depends on the size and location of the tumor and the patients health status. This procedure prevents the spread of the tumor in kidney cancer treatment while preserving healthy kidney tissue.

Recovery Process

The recovery process after partial nephrectomy generally depends on the function of the other kidney, the complexity of the surgery, and the patients overall health. Patients are monitored in the hospital for the first few days and are closely observed after surgery. Postoperative pain is usually manageable and can be controlled with painkillers. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and move slowly during the first weeks. Attention should be paid to urinary tract infections. The time to return to work depends on the type of job and the complexity of the surgery, but it usually takes a few weeks. Following the doctors recommendations for follow-up and check-ups helps protect the patients long-term health and monitor kidney function. The recovery process may vary from person to person, so an individualized follow-up plan is necessary for each patient.

Complications

Like many surgical procedures, partial nephrectomy can cause some complications. One of the most important is the risk of bleeding. During surgery, the blood vessels in the kidney are carefully controlled, but bleeding may still occur in some cases. There is also a risk of infection. Antibiotics are used to reduce the risk of postoperative infection. In patients with deeply located tumors, urine leakage may occur after surgery. Although healing may take longer in some cases, recovery is achieved with stents placed in the kidney. Rare allergic reactions to anesthesia may also occur. Postoperative pain is usually felt in the surgical area and may last for a few days, but it is not very severe, and patients can usually start walking even the day after surgery. These complications are carefully monitored and managed by your doctor after surgery. Every patient is different, and risks are assessed individually. Therefore, it is important to stay in contact with your doctor before and after partial nephrectomy so that any complications can be quickly identified and treated.

Who Is It Recommended For?

Partial nephrectomy is especially recommended for certain patient groups. This procedure should be considered particularly in the treatment of kidney cancer or in the management of diseases where part of the kidney is not functioning. The size and location of the tumor are taken into account first. If the tumor is small and the remaining kidney tissue is healthy, partial nephrectomy is usually preferred. It is also important for patients with a single kidney or poor function in the other kidney, as removing the entire kidney would leave the patient without a kidney and dependent on dialysis. In some cases, additional treatment may be required to prevent tumor recurrence. Therefore, the patients specific situation and needs should be evaluated with a urology specialist experienced in uro-oncology.

Is a Second Procedure Required?

Whether a second procedure is required after partial nephrectomy depends on the patients specific situation and response to treatment. Partial nephrectomy is generally preferred for small tumors that have not metastasized (metastasis), and the goal is to completely remove the tumor and preserve healthy kidney tissue, so additional procedures are usually not necessary. However, in rare cases, if there is another tumor focus in the body, additional treatments may be needed. These treatments are usually targeted drug therapies. The patients doctor will evaluate the specific situation and, if necessary, recommend a second procedure or treatment plan, providing information about the best course of action. Whether a second procedure is needed depends on each patients individual circumstances, so the doctors recommendations are important.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16214-open-partial-nephrectomy