Kidney removal

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Kidneys

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Kidney removal

Alternative Names:

Nephrectomy

Expectations after surgery:

Outcome is usually good in the case of the removal of a single kidney. If both kidneys are removed or if the remaining kidney does not function well enough, hemodialysis or kidney transplantation will be necessary to maintain life.

Convalescence:

Recovery time is the same as for other major abdominal surgery. You will be given intravenous fluids and pain medication. Kidney removal surgery is often very painful because of the location of the affected organ.

Your blood pressure and balance of electrolytes and fluids are carefully monitored, because these functions are controlled in part by the kidneys. You will most likely have a urinary catheter in place for a short time during your recovery.

You will probably remain in the hospital for 2 to 7 days, depending on the method of surgery used. Light activity may be resumed, and is actually encouraged as soon as you can tolerate it. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 6 weeks following the procedure.

Review Date: 7/28/2004
Reviewed By: Scott M. Gilbert, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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