What is a partial nephrectomy?
Partial nephrectomy is surgery for removal only part of the kidney or cancer tissue located in the kidneys. Partial nephrectomy is performed in patients who have a tumor located in this particular organ. Removal only part of the kidney or tissue provides kidneys a better chance to function normally.
proper kidney is necessary for overall health. The kidneys are responsible for removing toxins and excess fluids from the body. This helps maintain the level of salt, potassium and body acid in harmonious balance.
Sometimes cancer can evolve in the kidneys. If this happens, a nephrectomy is required. Surgeons are considering age, overall health and cancer stage to determine whether complete or partial renal removal is required. In some situations, the patient may even require radical nephrectomy, where the entire kidney, adrenal gland, cancer tissue and lymph nodes are removed from the body.
two major types of partial nephrectomy are open and laproscopic. Open partial nephrectomy is a procedure where the surgeon makes a cut between the lower part of the ribs on the kidney side that is cancerous. After cutting, the surgeon removes a part of the kidney containing a tumor. He or she also removes a small amount of surrounding tissue to ensure that no cancer tissue remains.
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a more popular type of kidney removal procedure. In this procedure, the surgeon performs less cut than the one used for open partial nephrectomy. Furthermore, the surgeon uses special equipment that increases and illuminates the affected kidney. Using several surgical tools, the surgeon is able to insert them into small cuts to remove cancer tissue.
In some cases, surgeons use robotic equipment taparoscopic procedure. A robotic auxiliary partial nephrectomy can reduce scarring, reduce the risk of infection and allow PACIent to recover faster. During this type of procedure, the surgeon performs the procedure using a robotic system.
Acceptance of partial nephrectomy may be protection against repetition of cancer in the kidneys. It also helps maintain relatively normal kidney function. Patients may avoid dialysis of kidney treatment and transplantation, procedures that are often required after the nephrectomy that will remove the entire kidney. If the patient is able to maintain part of the kidneys, he has a better chance to enjoy better health and longer life.