To help you prepare for a nephrectomy, we’ve outlined the typical patient experience from initial consultation through surgery and follow-up care. If you have specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask your physician and other members of the Urology team.
Before the surgery
Before your surgery is scheduled, you’ll have a detailed consultation with your physician to determine whether you’re a candidate for laparoscopic radical nephrectomy or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. This consultation will include a physical exam, blood tests, a thorough review of your family and medical history, and review of your ultrasound or CT scan imaging.
When your surgery is scheduled, you'll also be scheduled for a preoperative appointment to consult with your anesthesiologist, as well as having an EKG (electrocardiogram), a chest x-ray, and possible additional lab tests. You will also receive any pre-surgical dietary or preparation instructions at this appointment. Expect to spend one to two hours for this pre-op exam.
The day of surgery
The day of your surgery, you’ll meet with your doctors, nurses and anesthesiologist before your procedure. The surgery itself will take approximately 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours. During the procedure, either a portion of the kidney or the entire kidney is removed, depending on the specific nephrectomy procedure you are having: laparoscopic radical, laparoscopic partial, open radical or open partial.
If you are able to have a laparoscopic procedure, you will typically have four small incisions and a one or two day hospitalization. If your surgeon feels open surgery is necessary, you can expect a three to five day hospitalization, with larger incisions and a greater requirement for pain medications.
After surgery
Your post-operative evaluation will occur between two and three weeks after your surgery. At this time, the pathology information from the surgery will be available for review. Further follow-up and/or treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis.