Nephrectomy

What is nephrectomy?

Open simple nephrectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the kidney completely for kidney donation.

How is open simple nephrectomy performed?

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 3 hours. Your doctor makes a long incision just below the rib. One of the ribs may have to be removed to easily access the kidney. The kidney is separated from the surrounding muscles, tissues, fat, and ureter and removed. Your surgeon then closes the incision with sutures. A catheter may be inserted after the surgery to help you pass urine. You will be discharged from the hospital in about 2 to 7 days after the surgery.

What are the risks associated with a nephrectomy?

Like all surgical procedures, open simple nephrectomy may be involved with complications such as injury to the surrounding organs and infection of the surgical wound.