For patients whose cancer is confined to the kidney, surgical removal of the cancer can be the most effective treatment options. Traditionally this has accomplished through a procedure called radical nephrectomy. Radical nephrectomy is an open surgical procedure performed through an abdominal or flank incision during which the kidney, the fat surrounding the kidney and the adrenal gland or lymph nodes are removed. The open radical nephrectomy is now most commonly performed in patients with a large renal mass or regionalized advanced disease (renal vein or lymph node involvement). The procedure requires a 3-6 day hospital stay depending on a number of factors.
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy
For most patients with renal cell carcinoma, this procedure can now be performed laparoscopically, through four small incisions. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has the advantage of less pain and quicker return to full activities after surgery. The typical hospitalization is one to two days after surgery.
Partial Nephrectomy
For patients with smaller kidney tumors (under 5 cm.), bilateral tumors (tumors on both sides), only one kidney or preexisting kidney problems, partial nephrectomy is an equally effective cancer treatment, with the advantage of saving the non-cancerous kidney tissue. Partial nephrectomy is typically performed through a flank incision, and many patients have a 3-6 day hospitalization with recovery of kidney function.
Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
UCSD is one of few highly specialized centers that has the capability to perform the delicate procedure of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The UCSD team has extensive experience in this technique, which can now be performed in select patients -- combining the advantages of laparoscopy with complex, kidney preserving cancer surgery. Hospitalization is usually 2-3 days and recovery is 2-3 weeks.