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Why Would a Doctor Remove a Kidney?



A nephrectomy is a major surgical procedure that is performed to remove all or part of the kidney. The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs in the abdomen that filter waste products from the blood. A nephrectomy is performed when the kidney is damaged, the kidney no longer functions properly, one has kidney cancer, or if one is donating their kidney. The doctor may remove the kidney via open surgery or laparoscopically. 

In this blog, Dr. Niren Rao, a famous kidney doctor in Delhi, has shared crucial insights on the reasons for removing a kidney. Keep reading for more information.

What are the Different Types of Kidney Removal Surgeries?

The following are the various kidney removal surgeries available:

  1. Simple Nephrectomy: During this procedure, the entire kidney is removed. The doctor makes a long cut in the side. The kidney’s blood vessels will be cut away, as will the connections to the bladder. The surgeon will then remove the entire organ and may need to remove a rib to access the kidney.

  2. Partial Nephrectomy: A partial nephrectomy involves removing some part of the kidney. The procedure is somehow similar to a simple nephrectomy. However, the surgeon uses a smaller incision.

  3. Laparoscopic Surgery: Both a simple and partial nephrectomy can be performed using this technique, which is also known as keyhole surgery. Instead of using one long incision, the surgeon makes a series of small incisions in the abdomen. He will insert a camera and other small instruments through the incisions, which will allow the surgeon to see inside and remove the kidney completely. This type of surgery is considered less painful than open surgery, and recovery time is reduced too.

To learn more about these surgeries, book a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urology doctor in Delhi, at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice.

Why is a Kidney Removed?

There are several medical reasons why a doctor may decide to remove a kidney. Some of the main reasons are listed below:

  1. Kidney Disease: To avoid further complications and maintain the patient's health, the affected kidney may need to be removed if it has been severely harmed or affected by diseases like chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney cancer, or infections of the kidney.

  2. Kidney Cancer: When a patient is diagnosed with kidney cancer, a nephrectomy may be carried out to remove the tumor and the damaged renal tissue. The size and stage of the cancer determine whether a partial or radical nephrectomy will be performed.

  3. Donation of Kidneys: In certain situations, a person may decide to donate one of their kidneys to a family member or someone who is in need of a kidney transplant. The surgery involves removing one kidney, and the remaining kidney takes over the filtering function to maintain normal kidney function in the donor.

  4. Kidney Trauma: If a damaged kidney cannot be adequately repaired after suffering severe injuries from accidents or other trauma, it may necessitate the removal of the damaged kidney.

  5. Kidney Stones: When alternative treatments have failed, a nephrectomy may be an option as a last resort in some cases, especially if the kidney stone is very large or creating a serious blockage.

  6. Recurrent Infections: A nephrectomy may be performed to remove the affected kidney in cases of severe and repeated infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics or drainage.

However, it is crucial to understand that kidney removal is a serious surgical procedure, and doctors weigh the benefits and risks before recommending it to any patient. If possible, they explore less invasive treatments to preserve kidney function and the overall health of the patient. The decision to remove a kidney will depend on the specific medical conditions of the individual and their needs.

How Does A Patient Prepare for Kidney Removal?

If one reaches a doctor for kidney removal, they must inform them if they are pregnant. Also, let them know about any medications they are taking. The doctor may advise the patient to stop certain medications before the surgery, including some blood thinners. Before the surgery, the doctor will draw blood and determine the blood type in case one requires a transfusion during the procedure. The patient will also need to fast and stop drinking liquids before the surgery.

For more details about kidney removal surgeries, one can consult Dr. Niren Rao, a kidney doctor in Delhi, at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice. He is known for providing effective treatment for kidney stones, kidney cancer, and kidney transplants.

Visit Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice for further queries.

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