The kidneys are vital organs located on both sides of the spine, behind the abdominal organs, and play a crucial role in filtering harmful waste from the blood and sending waste to the excretory system.

Kidney cancer can arise from the cells that perform filtration functions or the channels that carry urine produced by the kidneys. Kidney cancer is more common in men, but it can occur in both genders and at any age.

Kidney cancers account for approximately three percent of all cancers. While the frequency of occurrence has increased in recent years, with imaging techniques like ultrasound and tomography becoming more commonly used, kidney cancer is detected earlier, resulting in a decrease in mortality rates related to kidney cancer.

Most tumors do not show symptoms and are detected during imaging tests such as ultrasound, tomography, or MRI done for another reason. Since it is resistant to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the most effective treatment is surgery.

How is Kidney Tumor Surgery Performed?

Treatment Details

• Procedure: Open or closed techniques to remove the entire kidney or just the tumor in smaller cases.
• Duration: 1-3 hours
• Hospital Stay: 1-3 days
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia
• Recovery Time: 3-5 days
• Return to Work/School: 3-4 weeks
• Scarring: Yes, depending on the procedure performed
• Pain Duration: 24-72 hours

Kidney tumor surgery generally involves two different sub-procedures depending on the cancer's progression, i.e., the spread of the tumor. The first is "partial nephrectomy," where only the tumor is removed and the remaining healthy part of the kidney is preserved in early-stage cancer. The second is "radical nephrectomy," which involves the removal of the entire kidney and surrounding fatty tissues for advanced cancer.

The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours, but if cancer cells have spread to large blood vessels, the surgery may take longer.

Surgery can be performed through both open and closed (laparoscopic or robotic) methods. Key factors influencing the choice of technique include the patient's age, overall health, and the tumor's location and size.

In cases of radical nephrectomy, 1-2 cm incisions are made in the body, and with the help of special surgical instruments, the tumor and surrounding tissue are removed. Partial nephrectomy is a more complex surgery, requiring an experienced surgeon, as the kidney is one of the most blood-rich organs, and losing its function can occur after just 30 minutes without blood flow.

However, if the patient's condition allows, partial nephrectomy should always be preferred, as the patient will rely on the remaining part of the kidney for the rest of their life.

In cases where the entire kidney is removed, the remaining kidney's function must be closely monitored, as the patient may need dialysis in the future, and their quality of life could be significantly impacted.

With surgery performed by experienced hands, very positive results can occur. As with any surgery, following the doctor's recommendations afterward is highly beneficial.

How Long Does Closed Kidney Tumor Surgery Take?

Laparoscopic or robotic nephrectomy procedures take approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the tumor's size, location, and the patient's general health. Sophisticated robotic systems and special tools are used for complex surgeries.

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the patient typically needs 2-4 days for recovery and monitoring in the hospital. The patient should discuss the details of the surgery and recovery process with their surgeon before the procedure. The surgery's duration is not the only factor to consider; post-operative pain, recovery, and follow-up appointments are also important elements.

What You Need to Know About Kidney Tumor Surgery:

• Kidney tumors are generally treated with surgery, and early-stage surgery is the most effective treatment.
• Some symptoms of kidney tumors include severe pain in the kidneys, blood in the urine, or a palpable mass in the abdomen. However, the vast majority of tumors are detected without symptoms during imaging tests such as ultrasound.
• The patient diagnosed with a kidney tumor should be evaluated by a urologist, and metastasis (spread to other organs) should be investigated. The urologist will decide whether surgery is needed.
• If the tumor is large, the entire kidney must be removed (Radical Nephrectomy). In smaller tumors, only the tumor tissue is removed (Partial Nephrectomy), preserving the healthy kidney tissue and maintaining kidney function.
• The surgery can be performed using both open and closed techniques. In the open method, an incision is made in the abdomen or side, whereas in closed methods (laparoscopic or robotic), small incisions of about 1 cm are made to insert cameras and instruments. One of these incisions is enlarged to remove the kidney.
• Both kidneys are located on the left and right sides of the abdominal aorta and vena cava, and since the kidneys are highly vascular, serious bleeding may occur during surgery. For this reason, the surgery should be performed by an experienced urologist specialized in oncological surgery.
• Kidney tumors can sometimes spread to the main abdominal veins, and these tumors must be removed by an experienced surgical team.
• Patients should be aware of possible sensitivities or complications. These topics should be discussed with the kidney tumor surgeon before making a decision. Complications may include damage to large blood vessels or adjacent organs like the intestines, spleen, or liver.
• One of the most common complications is bleeding, which may require blood transfusions.
• Blood transfusion risks may vary from person to person, and patients may need to decide whether to consent to a transfusion before the surgery.
• Patients should avoid smoking before and after kidney tumor surgery. Additionally, they should avoid sudden bending, lifting heavy objects, and any rapid movements in the early post-operative period. They should also refrain from strenuous sports.
• After kidney tumor surgery in Izmir, since kidney function may be impaired, patients should drink plenty of water and limit protein and salt intake.
• The duration of kidney tumor surgery may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, but it typically takes 2-3 hours.
• Patients are generally kept in the hospital for 2-3 days, and if no complications arise, they are discharged with the doctor's approval. Patients can return to normal life after about a week.

How Much Do Kidney Tumor Surgery Prices in Izmir Cost?

If you would like to get information about kidney tumor surgery prices in Izmir, you can consult with our expert doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Long Does Kidney Tumor Surgery Take?
Kidney tumor surgeries are delicate procedures. Kidney cancer surgeries performed using this method typically last between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. If the tumor is larger than 10 cm, the surgery may take up to two hours. Since these surgeries are complex, patients' conditions are also critical. If everything goes well, the process may not be prolonged, but complications can extend the surgery time.

Is Kidney Tumor Cancer?
Kidney cancer is a disease where kidney cells become malignant, grow uncontrollably, and form a tumor. Most kidney cancers first appear in the small tubes lining the kidneys. Kidney tumors are generally a precursor to cancer, but there is also a possibility that the tumor may be benign.

References:

Koçak, B., Açıkgöz, A., Aşcı, R., Sarıkaya, Ş., & Bilen, C. Y. (2008). Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the surgical treatment of kidney tumors. Turkish Urology Journal, 34(3), 300-5.