Nephrectomy surgeries can be simply defined as kidney removal. It is usually performed in cases where kidney tumors or conditions such as stones, ureteral obstruction, cervical cancer, colon cancer, etc., obstruct the kidney and prevent it from functioning.

As a result of the loss of kidney function, if the kidney remains in the body, it can lead to problems such as side pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, stone formation in the kidney, bleeding, high blood pressure, and many associated complications.

Nephrectomy is most commonly performed as open or laparoscopic nephrectomy. If all the medical evaluations conducted before donor and recipient transplantation yield positive results, kidney transplant surgery is performed.

The surgeries for removing the kidney from the donor and then implanting it into the recipient are carried out quickly within the process. This procedure is performed under mild anesthesia in an operating room setting by a urology team. It is considered one of the major surgeries.

How Is Nephrectomy Surgery Performed in İzmir?
Treatment Details
Operation: Nephrectomy Surgeries
Procedure: Removal of the non-functioning kidney due to tumor, stone, etc. Access is gained through an incision made in the abdominal region or the side of the abdomen. It can also be performed using laparoscopic or robotic methods.
Duration: 1–3 hours
Hospital Stay: 1–3 days
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Recovery Time: 2–3 days
Return to Work (School): 2–4 weeks
Scarring: Yes, depending on the method
Pain Duration: 24–48 hours

There are two frequently used methods in nephrectomy surgery. The first is open nephrectomy, and the other is closed nephrectomy, meaning laparoscopic or robotic method. Before an open nephrectomy, the approach to be followed is carefully analyzed according to the reasons for the surgery, and with the assistance of an anesthesiologist, it is determined whether the patient is suitable for the operation.

Patients suitable for surgery are given general anesthesia. The kidney or kidneys to be removed are taken out through an incision in the patient’s abdominal area.

Although rare, both kidneys may need to be removed at the same time. If both kidneys are to be removed and a kidney transplant is also planned, the transplant can be performed in the same session. During the procedure, one of the rib bones may sometimes need to be removed.

In closed nephrectomy, i.e., laparoscopic or robotic method, the preparation phase is the same. During the operation, 3 or 4 holes are made in the patient's back or abdominal area, and special tubes with unidirectional airflow are inserted into these holes. The abdominal cavity is inflated, and a high-resolution camera is inserted through one of the tubes to visualize the abdominal cavity.

Through the other tubes, the necessary surgical instruments are inserted, and the procedure is performed similarly to open surgery. The kidney is removed using a special bag, but the incision is not as large as in open surgery. Postoperative pain is less, and the recovery process is faster than with open surgery.

After both types of surgeries, patients should drink plenty of water, avoid heavy lifting, and refrain from intense exercise.

Is Nephrectomy Surgery Risky?
Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a kidney and carries potential risks like any other major surgery. These include blood clots, infections, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. There may be additional specific risks depending on the purpose of the surgery and the patient's overall health condition.

For example, if nephrectomy is performed to treat cancer, there may be a risk of cancer spreading during surgery. If the surgery is performed to remove a damaged kidney, there is a risk of damaging the other kidney.

However, as surgical techniques advance, the risks of nephrectomy are gradually decreasing. Before making a decision, it is very important to discuss the exact risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor based on your unique condition.

Things You Should Know About Nephrectomy Surgery
Nephrectomy is the removal of one or sometimes both kidneys from the body due to kidney failure or the presence of tumors.
Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure. The patient is put to sleep under anesthesia, and the operation is performed by specialist physicians.
Nephrectomy surgeries are performed in cases where the kidney becomes non-functional due to stones, infections, ureteral obstruction, polycystic kidney disease, etc., or when the kidney causes harm, when a donor wants to give a kidney to a compatible relative for transplantation, or in the presence of kidney tumors.
Sometimes, one of the reasons for nephrectomy is trauma to the kidneys due to gunshot or stab wounds, traffic accidents, falls from height, etc. If the kidney is damaged beyond repair, the doctor may be forced to perform a nephrectomy.
Nephrectomy surgeries performed due to tumors are divided into radical nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy. If the tumor is too large, if no healthy kidney tissue can be preserved, or if removing the tumorous tissue is technically difficult and oncologically risky, the entire kidney is removed along with surrounding fatty tissue, and this is called radical nephrectomy. If the tumor is small, surgically removable, and does not pose oncological risk, sometimes removing only the tumor area is sufficient. This method is called partial nephrectomy.
Kidneys are vital organs. It is possible to live with one kidney under medical supervision. However, if both kidneys are removed, the patient cannot survive. Therefore, patients are first placed on a dialysis program and added to the transplant waiting list if they meet the criteria for a kidney transplant.
For kidney transplantation, blood samples are taken from healthy individuals to check for compatibility. If the tests show compatibility between the donor and recipient, the operation is performed. In nephrectomy operations where both kidneys are removed, the donor is kept ready. The healthy kidney is implanted in the recipient depending on whether the right or left side is available. The removal of a kidney from a healthy person and transplantation into a waiting recipient is called donor nephrectomy.
In İzmir, nephrectomy surgery can be performed as open or closed (laparoscopic, robotic). The choice of method depends on the surgeon’s experience, the reason for nephrectomy, the individual’s body structure, general health condition, and the condition of the kidney.
In surgeries performed with closed methods, 3–4 small incisions of about 1 cm are made in the body, and instruments similar to tubes (trocars) approximately 10 cm in length are inserted. The nephrectomy is performed using cameras and other instruments placed through these trocars. If the entire kidney is removed, one of the incisions is enlarged slightly to extract the kidney.
Advantages of closed methods include better visualization, less bleeding risk, reduced pain, quicker recovery, and earlier discharge. However, the doctor’s experience and opinion are crucial in deciding the method to be used.
Unless any complications arise, patients are discharged within 3–4 days on weekdays. After nephrectomy surgeries, it is recommended that patients drink plenty of water, rest adequately, watch their diet, avoid heavy exercise, and attend regular check-ups without neglect.

How Much Does Nephrectomy Surgery Cost in İzmir?
Nephrectomy surgery costs vary depending on the type of surgery, the hospital, and the expertise of your doctor.

If you would like to get information about nephrectomy surgery costs in İzmir, you can consult our specialist doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is Nephrectomy Surgery Performed?
A: General anesthesia is administered before the nephrectomy surgery. During the surgery, a 15–20 cm J-shaped incision is made starting from the right groin and extending towards the right side of the body. The kidney is placed behind the abdominal lining, and connections with the artery, vein, and urinary tract are carefully made. A drain is inserted 3–4 days after the surgery.

Q: How Long Does Nephrectomy Surgery Take?
A: The duration of nephrectomy surgery varies from patient to patient. On average, the operation takes 5–6 hours. The procedure is performed through an incision in the lower abdominal area depending on the size of the kidney to be removed. A catheter is inserted into the bladder during surgery, and a drain is placed at the end.

Q: How Is Open Nephrectomy Performed?
A: Open nephrectomy is a type of open surgery performed to remove the kidney. In this procedure, a 20 cm incision is made starting from the right groin and extending to the right side of the body. The kidney is placed inside the abdominal lining, and connections with the artery, vein, and urinary tract are established.

Q: Why Is Nephrectomy Performed?
A: Nephrectomy is performed when the kidney can no longer function, in cases of stones, infections, cancer, or when it needs to be donated to another person. Part or all of the kidney may be removed for these reasons. While open methods were widely used in the past, closed methods are now preferred.

Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21515-nephrectomy
Çiçek, T., Erhan, Ş. E. N., Gönen, M., Gönülalan, U., Koşan, M., & Öztürk, B. (2014). Laparoscopic transperitoneal simple nephrectomy: single center experience. Cukurova Medical Journal, 39(2), 290–297.