Let's learn about Radical Nephrectomy, a surgery that completely removes a kidney.

Perhaps you or someone in your family has been told by your doctor that you have a kidney tumor and that it needs to be completely removed. It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you hear that. But when you know the right information about this, that fear will be greatly reduced. Today, we'll talk about the surgery that completely removes a kidney, called a 'radical nephrectomy.'

What is Radical Nephrectomy?

Simply put, a radical nephrectomy is the surgical removal of one of your kidneys. This involves removing not only the kidney but also the fatty tissue surrounding it. Sometimes, the adrenal gland and surrounding lymph nodes may also need to be removed.

"Nephro" means "kidney." "Ectom" means "removal." Even though we have two kidneys, if one kidney is working well, we can live without any problems.

Why do you need this surgery?

The main reason for many people to have this surgery is to remove a cancerous tumor in the kidney . However, your doctor may recommend this surgery for several other reasons.

• If you get frequent kidney infections.
• If your kidneys are no longer working (kidney failure).
• As a treatment for other kidney diseases or kidney damage.
• If you donate a kidney to someone else (kidney donation).

Is this a major surgery?

Yes, radical nephrectomy is major surgery . You will need to stay in the hospital for at least one night after the surgery. You may need to stay for a few days. But now, surgeons often perform this surgery using a minimally invasive approach . This means that it is done through a few small incisions, rather than a large incision, so you can recover quickly and go home.

How should we prepare before surgery?

Before surgery, your doctor will perform several tests to determine your exact health status.

• Blood tests: This is important to see how your kidneys are working and to find out what your blood type is. This can be helpful if you need to give blood during surgery (but this is very rare).
• Physical examination: Your general health will be checked by checking things like your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.

You should definitely tell your doctor about these things:

• You will be asked to stop taking any medications you are taking (including prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers and vitamins), especially blood thinners, before surgery.
• About any allergies you have. That means allergies to medications, latex, iodine, etc., which are used to clean the skin.

You will also receive special instructions about what to eat and drink before surgery. Usually, you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything for a few hours before surgery. This is because if you have food in your stomach while you are under anesthesia, it can be vomited up and into your lungs.

What are the methods of performing this surgery?

Radical nephrectomy surgery is performed in three main ways. Your surgeon will decide which method is best for you.

What happens during the surgery?

You won't feel anything during the surgery. The anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia, so you will be sound asleep until the surgery is over. After you lose consciousness, a nurse will insert a urinary catheter.

During laparoscopic or robotic surgery, your doctor inflates your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This makes it easier to see the organs inside. The blood vessels that connect to the kidney are closed, and the kidney and other necessary parts are carefully removed. The incisions are then closed with stitches.

The entire surgery can take three hours or more.

What happens after the surgery?

After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. As you gradually regain consciousness, the medical team will closely monitor your condition.

• You will be given painkillers to control the pain.
• For the first day or two, you won't be given anything to eat. Only liquids . Then, you'll gradually get used to regular food.
• You will be encouraged to walk from the day after surgery. Walking speeds up the healing process and reduces the risk of complications such as blood clots and pneumonia.
• The urinary catheter is usually removed in about a day.

Once your health is determined to be good, you will be allowed to go home. You will need to be accompanied by a family member as you will not be able to drive. It is also very important to have someone to take care of you for a few days after you go home.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Like any surgery, this one also has some risks.

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Complications due to anesthesia
• Scarring

Very rarely, your remaining kidney may become less functional or develop a disease. Your doctor will tell you more about this.

How long does it take to recover after surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery you had. You will recover faster after laparoscopic surgery than after open surgery.

You can usually return to work or school after about 4 weeks. However, you may need to wait about 8 to 12 weeks before doing anything strenuous, such as lifting weights. Your doctor will advise you on the right time for you.

When do you need to talk to the doctor?

After surgery, you will need to go to the clinic on scheduled days to see your doctor. Also, if you had surgery for kidney cancer, you will need to have follow -up tests, such as CT scans , to see if the cancer has returned.

If you develop any of these symptoms while at home after surgery, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• Heavy bleeding from cuts.
• Signs of infection (foul odor coming from the wound, yellow/green pus coming out, fever ).
• Blood in the urine (hematuria).