Partial nephrectomy

What is a partial nephrectomy? 

A partial nephrectomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the kidney is removed. It is typically performed to excise a tumour or other abnormal tissue while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. This procedure aims to maintain kidney function and reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. 

 

What does a partial nephrectomy treat? 

Partial nephrectomy is commonly used to treat: 

  • Kidney tumours: Particularly small, localised tumours, often due to renal cell carcinoma. 
  • Benign kidney conditions: Such as angiomyolipoma or oncocytoma. 
  • Kidney cysts: If they cause symptoms or complications. 
  • Trauma: When a part of the kidney is damaged due to injury. 

 

How to prepare for your treatment 

Preparing for a partial nephrectomy involves several steps: 

  • Medical evaluation: Comprehensive preoperative testing, including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs, to assess the condition of the kidneys and surrounding structures.
  • Medication review: Discuss with your doctor any medications you are currently taking. Some medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or stopped before surgery. 
  • Preoperative instructions: Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding fasting and other preoperative preparations. 
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption to improve healing and recovery. 
  • Hospital Preparation: Pack essentials for your hospital stay, including personal items and any necessary medical documents. 

 

How long does the treatment process take? 

The treatment process includes: 

  • Preoperative phase: Can take several weeks to complete all necessary evaluations and preparations. 
  • Surgery: The partial nephrectomy procedure itself typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
  • Hospital stay: Patients usually stay in the hospital for 2-5 days post-surgery for monitoring and initial recovery. 
  • Recovery period: Full recovery can take several weeks to a few months. Patients will have follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. 

 

What happens after treatment? 

After a partial nephrectomy, the recovery process includes: 

  • Postoperative care: Monitoring for complications such as bleeding, infection, or issues with kidney function. Pain management and wound care instructions will be provided. 
  • Gradual resumption of activities: Patients are encouraged to gradually return to their normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. 
  • Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to assess recovery, manage any complications, and monitor kidney function through blood tests and imaging studies. 
  • Lifestyle modifications: Recommendations may include dietary adjustments, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes to support kidney health. 

 

Partial nephrectomy is a crucial surgical option for treating kidney tumours and other kidney conditions while preserving as much kidney function as possible. Proper preparation, understanding the treatment timeline, and following postoperative care instructions are essential for a successful outcome and recovery. 

 

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