The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Nephrectomy
SURGICAL REMOVAL OF A KIDNEY
This surgical procedure is performed to treat kidney cancer as well as other kidney diseases and injuries
About having a nephrectomy
A nephrectomy is a surgical operation to remove a kidney. There are two types of nephrectomy: partial and total.
- A partial nephrectomy means only part of the kidney is removed. It's a specific procedure and usually done if the benign cyst or tumour is less than 4cm in diameter. The aim is to remove the cyst or tumour while keeping as much of the kidney as possible, so that it is still able to filter blood.
- A total nephrectomy removes the affected kidney entirely, along with the adrenal gland and surrounding tissue.
Both procedures can be carried out using open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgical techniques with the latest technology on offer for a robotically assisted removal.
Need to know
Both a partial and total nephrectomy can be carried out as open surgery (by cutting around the abdomen) or as a laparoscopy (by making smaller, keyhole-size cuts) under general anaesthetic.
Your consultant will explain how to prepare for your surgery. Because both types of nephrectomy (open surgery and laparoscopy) will be done under general anaesthetic, you won't be able to eat six hours prior to surgery. You will be able to drink clear, still water up to three hours before.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any question you might have.
You may have to stay in hospital for some time after your surgery. This is so we can make sure that your operated or remaining kidney is functioning adequately. Your consultant will explain when you can return to your normal routine.
Robotic nephrectomy
Our innovative robotic surgery system offers a more precise way of removing cancerous kidneys.
The robot lets our surgeons operate from a workstation, rather than by standing directly over you. It makes for a more precise and delicate procedure. It also offers other potential benefits, including an excellent chance of kidney preservation (where indicated); a shorter operation and hospital stay; and less blood loss.
Our Nephrectomy locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.