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Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

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This information is designed to help you, your family and friends prepare for your surgery.   It will also help you plan how to take care of yourself in the weeks following discharge from hospital.

What is LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY  ?

A laparoscopic nephrectomy is an operation to remove one of the two kidneys that sit at the back of the abdominal cavity. The kidneys make urine by filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Urine drains from the kidneys, through the ureters into the bladder where it is stored until the person is ready to go to the toilet. A laparoscopic nephrectomy involves removing an entire kidney through keyhole incisions in the flank, the side of the body between the ribs and the hip.

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A nephrectomy is usually done for one of two reasons, either for cancer of the kidney or because of a non- functioning kidney.

TREATMENT

A laparoscopic nephrectomy uses a small tool with a camera (laparoscope) and a few tiny incisions. In a robotic-assisted laparoscopic case, a surgical robot is controlled by the surgeon to manipulate these small tools. An open nephrectomy uses one large incision.

How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic nephrectomy

​Recovering from kidney removal most often takes around 3 to 6 weeks. You may have some of these symptoms: Pain in your belly or on the side where you had the kidney removed

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