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

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

The ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) and the 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, which is less invasive and involves three or four small cuts, usually no more than an inch each, in the abdominal and flank areas.

Kidney removal may be recommended for:

• Birth defects (congenital abnormalities)
• Injury (trauma)
• Infection
• Hypertension
• Tumor
• Chronic bleeding

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

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

• Bleeding
• Infection

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.

You will be given fluids through an IV and pain medication. Kidney removal surgery is often very painful because of the location.

The health care team will carefully watch your blood pressure and electrolytes and fluid balance. These body functions are controlled in part by the kidneys. You will most likely have a urinary catheter (tube to drain urine) 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. You will be encouraged to return to light activities as soon as you feel up to it. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 6 weeks following the procedure.