Overview
A nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. It is most often performed to treat kidney cancer or to remove a severely damaged or non-functioning kidney.
Types of Nephrectomy
Radical Nephrectomy
Removal of the entire kidney, surrounding fat, and sometimes the adrenal gland and lymph nodes.
Partial Nephrectomy
Removal of only the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue, sparing the rest of the kidney. This preserves kidney function.
Recovery
The surgery can often be performed laparoscopically or robotically, leading to smaller incisions and faster recovery. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.