A nephrectomy is a procedure that can remove part of all of your kidney. Someone who is undergoing kidney removal surgery is typically suffering from kidney cancer or needs to have a noncancerous tumor taken out. On rare occasions, you may need to get a nephrectomy due to disease or severe kidney damage. If you suffer from any medical conditions that may affect your kidneys, you must visit a kidney specialist in Nassau County who can provide you with the best possible care. At PRINE Health, our team of nephrologists, primary care physicians, and other complementary physicians specialize in kidney treatment and can help weigh out your options regarding kidney problems.
Types of Nephrectomy:
If your doctor has determined that kidney removal surgery is the next step for you, you must be aware of the different forms of the procedure. Below are the different types of nephrectomies that are typically performed:
- Simple nephrectomy – This involves removing a person’s entire kidney; your surgeon will likely make a large incision on your side to help completely remove the kidney.
- Partial nephrectomy – This only involves removing part of the kidney; the surgery follows the same process of a simple nephrectomy but the incision is much smaller.
- Laparoscopic nephrectomy – This procedure can be used for both full or partial kidney removal, it involves the use of small instruments, including a camera, so that your surgeon can see inside during the removal.
Are There Risks?
Generally speaking, a nephrectomy is a safe procedure, but of course, it can come with minor risk factors as any other surgery would. When you meet with a kidney specialist in Nassau County, they can go over the following risks, which are rare, but could occur:
- Bleeding or blood loss
- Possible infection
- Injury to nearby organs
Other serious problems may occur due to the long-term complications that come along with decreased kidney function. This could include high blood pressure or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Preparing For Kidney Removal:
Like any procedure, you should consult with your kidney specialist in Nassau County about preparing for surgery. This may include indicating whether or not you are on any specific medications, even over-the-counter ones. You will also need to have blood taken at least one week prior to having the surgery so that everyone in the operating room is aware of your blood type in case a transfusion is required. Lastly, like many other surgeries, you will have to fast and stop drinking liquids for some time before your kidney removal surgery.
Contact A Kidney Specialist In Nassau County:
If you or someone you know may need to get a nephrectomy, or would just like to learn more about this procedure in general, our team at PRINE Health can help. As a medical group made up of nephrologists, primary care physicians, and other complementary physicians, our main goal is to combat CKD and other kidney-related conditions. We can work with you to make sure you are comfortable and prepared for a surgery like this. To schedule an appointment at one of our many locations, visit our website.
