Definition of Kidney removal:

Kidney removal, also called nephrectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a kidney.

Description:

This surgery is done while you are asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). The surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen or side of the abdomen (flank area). A rib may need to be removed to perform the procedure.

The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureter) and blood vessels are cut away from the kidney and the kidney is removed. The cut is then closed.

Kidney removal may be done as open surgery, which involves a large cut in the side of the abdomen. Some patients may have laparoscopic surgery. This type of surgery is less invasive and involves three or four small cuts, usually no more than 1 inch each, in the abdomen and flank areas.

Indications:

Kidney removal may be recommended for:

• Birth defects (congenital abnormalities)
• Chronic bleeding
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Infection
• Injury (trauma)
• Tumor

Kidney removal is also performed on someone who donates a kidney for a kidney transplant.