Kidney surgery, also known as nephrectomy, is a procedure performed to remove all or part of a kidney. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter waste from the blood, regulate electrolytes, and produce urine. Kidney surgery is commonly performed for several reasons, including the treatment of kidney cancer, non-cancerous tumors, severe kidney damage due to injury or disease, kidney infections that do not respond to other treatments, or to remove a healthy kidney for donation. There are different types of nephrectomy, including partial nephrectomy, where only a portion of the kidney is removed, and radical nephrectomy, where the entire kidney, surrounding tissues, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes are removed. Kidney surgery can be performed using either open surgery, which involves a larger incision in the abdomen or side, or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, which involve smaller incisions and generally result in quicker recovery times and less postoperative pain. Despite its benefits, kidney surgery carries potential risks and complications. These can include bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding organs, and, in the case of complete nephrectomy, reduced kidney function if only one kidney remains. There is also a risk of blood clots, hernia, or complications related to anesthesia. Long-term complications might involve high blood pressure or decreased kidney function, particularly if the remaining kidney becomes compromised. Post-surgery, patients typically require close monitoring to ensure proper recovery and to manage any potential complications, along with lifestyle adjustments to maintain the health of the remaining kidney.
