A nephrectomy is surgery to take out part or all of the kidney. One or both kidneys may be taken out. Sometimes other tissue near the kidney is taken out at the same time.
The doctor will put special tools and a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope through several small cuts in your belly. These cuts are called incisions. Then the doctor will remove your kidney through one of the incisions. The incisions will leave scars that will fade with time.
Your body can work fine with one healthy kidney. But if both kidneys are removed, or if the kidney you have left is not healthy, you will need other treatment after surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about this.
You will probably spend 3 or 4 days in the hospital. You will need to take it easy for 4 to 6 weeks at home.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
A nephrectomy is surgery to take out part or all of the kidney. One or both kidneys may be taken out. Sometimes other tissue near the kidney is taken out at the same time.
Your belly will feel sore after the surgery. This usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will give you pain medicine for this. You may also have other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or a headache.
At first, you may have low energy and get tired quickly. It may take 3 to 6 months for your energy to fully return.
Your body can work fine with one healthy kidney. If both kidneys are removed or your remaining kidney is not healthy, your doctor will talk to you about the kind of treatment you will need after surgery.
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