We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Radical Nephrectomy?

By M.R. Anglin
Updated: Feb 06, 2024
Views: 14,646
Share

Cancer can be devastating to a body. Many times, one of the only successful methods to treat or halt the progression of the disease is the complete removal of the tumor as well as the organs and tissues associated with it. Such surgery usually is called radical. A radical nephrectomy is the removal of a kidney, the ureter, the surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and the adrenal gland, usually due to cancer or other severe kidney diseases. This surgery can be used as an option to rid the body of cancer or to provide more comfort for a patient in whom the cancer is incurable.

A radical nephrectomy is a major surgery, usually involving general anesthesia, to remove a major organ from the body. Removing one kidney may not result in a drastic change in a person’s life, as most individuals have two. If the patient has a weak kidney or if he has already had a kidney removed, however, the operation could result in the patient having to undergo dialysis. Before performing a radical nephrectomy, a doctor typically will discuss all available options and help the patient decide which one is right for his situation.

There are generally two types of radical nephrectomy offered as options for treatment. Open nephrectomy involves cutting open the patient so the surgeon can see the organs as he is removing them. This type of surgery is the more traditional version. Candidates for this type of surgery include those who have tumors larger than four inches (10 cm). Other patients who may be suited for this type of surgery are those who have had previous surgeries that left internal scarring.

The second type of radical nephrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. This surgery does not involve an incision as large as the one needed for an open radical nephrectomy. Rather, several small incisions are made. In the first incision, a camera is inserted so the doctor can see what he is doing. Other incisions are used to allow the surgical instruments access to the organ. The surgeon can then detach the kidney and any other tissues he is removing and extract them through another incision.

As with all operations, there are risks as well as benefits associated with both open and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy surgeries. In both cases, the patient will have to undergo general anesthesia, which may be associated with the risks of brain damage, heart attack, or stroke. In some procedures, nerves could be damaged, resulting in back issues. All risks should be discussed with a doctor before a patient undergoes the procedure. The doctor can help a patient decide what risks he is willing to take in order to get rid of or control the cancer.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-a-radical-nephrectomy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.