PCNL.jpg

Percutaneous removal of kidney stones (PCNL) is keyhole surgery. Under general anaesthetic the stone is removed by passing a small telescope through your side directly into the kidney. The stone is broken up and the fragments are removed.

 

Before your operation

You have a kidney stone visible on x-ray that is suitable for PCNL. The operation and outcomes will be explained to you by your surgeon. When you feel comfortable that you understand what is to be done and have had all your questions answered you will be asked to sign a consent form. This consent form should be signed by both yourself and your surgeon, and forwarded to the hospital prior to your admission.

A blood test will need to be performed, and a urine sample may need to be taken 4-5 days prior to surgery. Your surgeon will give you a form to take to the laboratory to have these tests done.

An x-ray may be performed just before your surgery to check the position of your stone.

If you are over 60, or have other medical problems, you may also have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the health of your heart prior to surgery.

 

Operation day

You will be advised when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. You should bring all your own medications with you to hospital.

On arrival to the ward the staff will show you to your bed and guide you through what is required prior to your operation.

This operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist will see you before the operation. Just prior to surgery you may be given a tablet to help you relax.

You will have protective stockings fitted.

 

The operation

First, a small tube is inserted up the ureter (tube from kidney to bladder) by means of a telescope passed into the bladder. 

You are then turned face down (on your stomach) and a small (keyhole) incision is made into the kidney, using x-ray guidance. Sometimes you will be on your back.

Finally, a telescope is passed into the kidney. The surgeon locates and removes the stone by breaking it into pieces using laser or ultrasound.

When you wake up you will have a small tube coming from your kidney draining the urine into a bag. This is usually removed the next day. You will also have a catheter in your bladder draining urine. This will also be removed the next day. You will usually go home the day following your surgery.

 

After discharge

You will receive a follow up appointment for 6 weeks after your operation. 

It may take at least 2 weeks to recover fully from the operation. You should not expect to return to work within 10 days, especially if your job is physically strenuous.

You can usually resume driving when you feel that you could perform an emergency stop without being concerned about pain (usually about two weeks).

When you get home you should drink twice as much as you would normally to flush your system through and minimise any bleeding. You should aim to keep your urine permanently colourless to minimise the risk of further stone formation.

 

Complications

All procedures have a potential for side effects. You should be reassured that although all these complications are well recognised, the majority of patients do not suffer any problems after a urological procedure.

  • It is common to have blood in the urine
  • Occasionally more than one puncture site (keyhole) is required into the kidney
  • Sometimes, not all stones are able to be removed from the kidney
  • It may not be possible to gain access to the kidney, resulting in the need for a different type of surgery such as ureteroscopy or lithotripsy
Posted
AuthorUrology Associates
TagsPCNL

Rectus fascia sling procedure

Rectus fascia sling (also known as pubovaginal sling or autologous sling) is an operation to treat stress urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence is leakage of urine that occurs with activities which cause an increase in abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, jumping, lifting, exercising and in some cases walking.

This leakage occurs because the muscles at the bladder neck have lost their supports and strength. As a valve mechanism, the urethra (waterpipe) no longer stays closed when extra pressure is put on the bladder.

In this operation a strip of tissue is taken from the lower abdomen (tummy) and used as a sling or hammock around the bladder neck and urethra. This differs to other types of sling such as the TVT sling, which uses a synthetic material/mesh to create the sling. The rectus fascia sling therefore provides a mesh-free alternative.

The rectus fascia is the thin but very tough layer that covers the abdominal muscles. A small incision is made just below the bikini line and a strip of the rectus fascia is removed. It is then placed in position under the urethra through an incision in the vagina as a supportive sling.

On average most women are in hospital 2 nights following this type of surgery.

 

Before your operation

In the weeks just prior to surgery it is common to come to Urology Associates to see the continence nurse specialist for a pre-op appointment.

You may have a routine blood test and a urine sample taken prior to your operation. Depending on your age and other medical problems you may also have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the electrical activity of your heart.

The operation and possible complications will be explained to you by the doctor. When you feel comfortable that you understand what is to be done and have had all your questions answered you will be asked to sign a consent form.

It is important to avoid constipation. Try to establish and maintain a regular, soft bowel habit leading up to your operation. Identify the foods that can help you in this area for your post-op period.

 

Operation day

You will be advised when to come to hospital (usually by phone the day before your operation).

It is usual to stop eating and drinking at least 6 hours prior to surgeryYou should bring your own medications with you and the staff will advise you if you need to take them on the day of your operation.

Before the operation you will be given supportive stockings to wear until you leave hospital to minimise the risk of blood clots forming.

Whether you have a spinal or general anaesthetic will be decided after discussion with the anaesthetist. This usually occurs during in the ward pre-operatively. Just prior to surgery you may be given a pre-medication tablet to relax you.

You will be encouraged to commence deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent any breathing complications or chest infection occurring following the surgery and anaesthetic.

 

Recovery

When you first wake you will be in the recovery ward. You may feel sleepy and perhaps a little disorientated, but this feeling will pass.

You may eat and drink as desired but initially it is better to start slowly with fluids as the anaesthetic often makes people feel nauseated. There is medication available to control nausea if necessary.

An intravenous line (drip) will be attached to your arm for one or two days to give you some extra fluids. There will be a light dressing on your lower abdomen over the incision.

You will have a catheter (tube) in your bladder via your urethra, draining your urine into a bag. 

While in hospital you will be prescribed paracetamol and you should take this regularly to keep any discomfort to a minimum. Ask the nurses for stronger pain relief if needed.

The day after surgery you will be assisted to shower and encouraged to sit in a chair at least twice during the day. Early mobilisation will minimise the risk of complications.

If a gauze pack was placed in the vagina during surgery, it will usually be removed the next morning before your shower.

One you are drinking normally and your pain is controlled, your drip will be removed.

 

Catheter

  • This will usually be removed after two days.

  • After a normal intake of fluid it is usual to pass urine every 3-4 hours.

  • Initially you should not wait longer than this time before trying to empty your bladder.

  • You may find emptying your bladder feels different as it recovers from the surgery and the associated swelling of the surrounding tissues.

  • Try to relax your abdominal muscles and the muscles underneath your bladder. Take your time and just let the urine flow out. Do not push or strain as this forces the urethra against the sling, closing it off and stopping the flow of urine.

It is common not to be able to pass urine afterwards. If you cannot pass urine, can pass only a small amount or have bladder discomfort please let your nurse know. The nurse may check your residual urine and arrange a self-catheterisation program if needed. This is called Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC) and can be performed in the privacy of your own bathroom or any toilet. Initially you may have to catheterise each time you need to pass urine but as things return to normal the frequency of your CIC will be reduced. It is not expected that you will need to do this in the long-term unless your urologist advises you of this before the operation.

 

After discharge

Our nurses will contact you by phone to check on your progress. If you have any concerns you may ring any time or arrange an appointment. You will also have a follow-up consultation with your surgeon at approximately six weeks post surgery.

 

Bowels

Keeping a regular, soft bowel motion is important. Kiwi fruit or "Kiwi Crush" are also recommended.

 

Pain control

Take regular pain control. Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medication such as diclofenac (Voltaren) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) are usually effective.

The more you do, the worse your abdominal pain will get. Use this as a guide for the amount of activity that you do over the next few weeks. If you are sore, rest.

Wound pain sometimes may be worse on one side than the other.

 

Wound care

Your abdominal incision and vaginal wound should heal within 7-10 days however the muscle layer beneath your skin will take up to 3 months to heal. The dressing tape can be removed after 7-10 days.

If you notice the incision becomes inflamed, there is an increase in pain, or it is red, hot or swollen, contact Urology Associates for advice.

 

Vaginal discharge

It is normal to have some vaginal bleeding on and off for a few weeks and then a brown discharge for a few weeks following that. If the bleeding becomes heavy, you pass clots or have a smelly vaginal discharge, contact Urology Associates.

You may also notice the remains of some stitches in your underwear or in the toilet after emptying your bladder. Do not be concerned as these are vaginal stitches which have started to dissolve and that is expected.

 

Pelvic floor exercises

It is important to continue pelvic floor exercises once you have recovered from surgery. If you have any concerns about your technique, please contact our continence nurse specialist.

 

Activity

Initially when you go home you will not feel like doing very much, so listen to your body and rest. Sitting with your feet up will be the most comfortable position.

Things you can do include:

  • Showering

  • Preparing light meals

  • Walking up and down stairs slowly

  • Gentle walking is to be encouraged – it is better to do two short walks in the day rather than one long walk

Things you should not do for 6 weeks include:

  • Picking up heavy objects off the floor

  • Housework except light work at bench height

  • Vacuuming

  • Carrying supermarket bags / rubbish bags

  • Carrying children / pets

Things that you should not do for 12 weeks include:

  • Heavy lifting

  • Shifting the furniture

  • Lawn mowing or digging the garden

  • Weights at the gym

  • Carrying rubbish bags or washing baskets

  • Carrying children / pets

Driving

You should not drive until you feel that you could perform an emergency stop without being concerned about abdominal pain (approximately 3-4 weeks).

Returning to work

Ask your specialist about returning to work. This will vary according to the type of operation performed and whether you have a manual or sedentary occupation.

Usually people are off work for about 4-6 weeks.

Sexual intercourse

You can resume sexual intercourse at 6 weeks but some women may need to adopt alternative positions if they experience any discomfort. You can discuss this with your specialist.

Complications

Seek help from your GP or Urology Associates if you develop:

  • Flu like symtoms

  • A temperature over 38°C

  • Pain or discomfort not controlled by pain medication

  • Bleeding or difficulty passing urine

  • Pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh

  • Symptoms of a urinary tract infection such as pain on passing urine, going more often or smelly urine. 

Click here to download our Pubovaginal sling booklet for more information 

Posted
AuthorUrology Associates
TagsRFS
Side view: TVT in position, supporting bladder neck

Side view: TVT in position, supporting bladder neck

TVT Sling is an operation to treat stress urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence is leakage of urine that occurs with activities which cause an increase in abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, jumping, lifting, exercising and in some cases walking.

This leakage occurs because the muscles at the bladder neck have lost their supports and strength. As a valve mechanism, the urethra (waterpipe) no longer stays closed when extra pressure is put on the bladder.

TVT sling is a minimally-invasive operation requiring three small incisions to insert and position the tape. A 1 cm cut is made on either side of the lower abdomen (tummy) with a 3 cm incision in the vagina to allow the tape to be put in place.

Women are usually in hospital for one night following this type of surgery.

Mesh Complications

Mesh slings have been around for more than 20 years and most women have had very successful results. The success rate is about 80%.

Erosion of the mesh into the bladder or urethra may occur in a small number of woman (<1%) sometimes many years after initial surgery. They will require surgery to remove this. This surgery may require going through the abdomen or the vagina.

Erosion of the mesh through the vaginal wall occurs in 2-8% of woman. If this occurs a further day surgery operation to cover or remove the mesh will be necessary.

Pain after the surgery is normal for 2-3 weeks. Uncommonly this pain in the lower abdomen may persist.

Mesh used to treat stress incontinence has a much lower risk of complication than that used to treat prolapse as a smaller piece of mesh is used. If you have concerns, discuss this with your urologist. Alternatives are available such as making the sling out of a piece of tendon from your abdomen.

Before your operation

In the weeks just prior to surgery it is common to come to Urology Associates to see the continence nurse specialist for a pre-op appointment.

You may have a routine blood test and a urine sample taken one week prior to your operation. Depending on your age and other medical problems you may also have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the electrical activity of your heart.

The operation and possible complications will be explained to you by the doctor. When you feel comfortable that you understand what is to be done and have had all your questions answered you will be asked to sign a consent form.

It is important to avoid constipation. Try to establish and maintain a regular, soft bowel habit leading up to your operation. Identify the foods that can help you in this area for your post-op period.

Operation day

You will be advised when to come to hospital (usually by phone the day before your operation).

It is usual to stop eating and drinking at least 6 hours prior to surgery. You should bring your own medications with you and the staff will advise you if you need to take them on the day of your operation.

Before the operation you will be given supportive stockings to wear until you leave hospital to minimise the risk of blood clots forming.

Whether you have a spinal or general anaesthetic will be decided after discussion with the anaesthetist. This usually occurs in the ward pre-operatively. Just prior to surgery you may be given a pre-medication tablet to relax you.

You will be encouraged to commence deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent any breathing complications or chest infection occurring following the surgery and anaesthetic.

 

Recovery

When you first wake you will be in the recovery ward. You may feel sleepy and perhaps a little disorientated, but this feeling will pass.

You may eat and drink as desired but initially it is better to start slowly with fluids as the anaesthetic often makes people feel nauseated. There is medication available to control nausea if necessary.

An intravenous line (drip) may be attached to your arm overnight to give you some extra fluids. There will be a light dressing on your lower abdomen over the two small cuts.

 

Catheter

You will have a catheter (tube) in your bladder via your urethra, draining the urine into a bag. Your catheter will usually be removed the day after surgery.

  • After a normal intake of fluid it is usual to pass urine every 3-4 hours.

  • Initially you should not wait longer than this time before trying to empty your bladder. You may find emptying your bladder feels different as it recovers from the surgery and the associated swelling of the surrounding tissues.

  • Try to relax your abdominal muscles and the muscles underneath your bladder. Take your time and just let the urine flow out. Do not push or strain as this forces the urethra against the TVT sling, closing it off and stopping the flow of urine.

It is not uncommon to be unable to pass urine afterwards. If you cannot pass urine, can pass only a small amount or have bladder discomfort please let your nurse know. The nurse may check your residual urine and arrange a self-catheterisation program if needed. This is called Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC) and can be performed in the privacy of your own bathroom or any toilet. Initially, you may have to catheterise each time you need to pass urine but as things return to normal the frequency of your CIC will be reduced. You would not be expected to do CIC in the long-term but sometimes just in the days and weeks following your surgery, as the swelling settles down.

 

Pain control

While in hospital you will be prescribed paracetamol and you should take this regularly to keep any discomfort to a minimum. Stronger medication is available if required.

The day following surgery your drip will be removed and you may eat and drink as usual. You will be encouraged to shower and mobilise around the ward in preparation for going home later that day.

 

Lifting

Following surgery it is important to avoid any abdominal straining while your surgical repair heals. In particular patients should avoid doing any heavy lifting or exercise for four to six weeks after their surgery.

 

Bowels

Keeping a regular, soft bowel motion is important. Kiwi fruit or "Kiwi Crush" are also recommended.

 

After discharge

Our nurses will contact you by phone to check on your progress. If you have any concerns you may ring any time or arrange an appointment. You will also have a follow-up consultation with your surgeon at approximately six weeks post surgery.

 

Pain control

Take regular pain control. Paracetamol is usually effective medication.

The more you do, the worse your abdominal pain will get. Use this as a guide for the amount of activity that you do over the next few weeks. If you are sore, rest. Wound pain sometimes may be worse on one side than the other.

 

Wound care

Your abdominal cuts and vaginal wound should heal within 7-10 days however the muscle layer beneath your skin will take up to 3 months to heal. The dressing tape can be removed after 7-10 days.

If you notice the cuts become inflamed, there is an increase in pain, or it is red, hot or swollen, contact Urology Associates for advice.

 

Vaginal discharge

It is normal to have some vaginal bleeding on and off for a few weeks and then a brown discharge for a few weeks following that. If the bleeding becomes heavy, you pass clots or have a smelly vaginal discharge, contact Urology Associates.

You may also notice the remains of some stitches in your underwear or in the toilet after emptying your bladder. Do not be concerned as these are vaginal stitches which have started to dissolve and that is expected.

 

Bowels

  • Try to keep your bowel motions soft by using high fibre foods such as kiwi fruit, fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread, nuts and seeds.

  • Do not become constipated or strain to have a bowel motion.

  • If you are constipated and conservative measures have not helped, take an oral laxative.

  • Use a footstool to help bowel emptying. Discuss this with our continence nurse specialist if you need further information.

 

Pelvic floor exercises

It is important to continue pelvic floor exercises once you have recovered from surgery. If you have any concerns about your technique, please contact our continence nurse specialist.

 

Activity

Initially when you go home you will not feel like doing very much, so listen to your body and rest. Sitting with your feet up will be the most comfortable position.

Things you can do include:

  • Showering

  • Preparing light meals

  • Walking up and down stairs slowly

  • Gentle walking is to be encouraged – it is better to do two short walks in the day rather than one long walk

Things you should not do for 1-2 weeks include:

  • Housework except light work at bench height

  • Vacuuming

  • Carrying supermarket bags / rubbish bags

  • Carrying children / pets

Things that you should not do for 6 weeks include:

  • Heavy lifting

  • Shifting the furniture

  • Lawn mowing or digging the garden

  • Weights at the gym

  • Carrying rubbish bags or washing baskets

  • Carrying children / pets

Driving

You should not drive until you feel that you could perform an emergency stop without being concerned about abdominal pain (approximately two weeks).

Returning to work

Ask your specialist about returning to work. This will vary according to the type of operation performed and whether you have a manual or sedentary occupation.

Usually people are off work for about 1-2 weeks.

Sexual intercourse

You can resume sexual intercourse at 6 weeks but some women may need to adopt alternative positions if they experience any discomfort. You can discuss this with your specialist.

 

Complications

Seek help from your GP or Urology Associates if you develop:

  • Flu like symtoms

  • A temperature over 38°C

  • Pain or discomfort not controlled by pain medication

  • Bleeding or difficulty passing urine

  • Pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh

  • Symptoms of a urinary tract infection such as pain on passing urine, going more often than usual or smelly urine.

Click here to download our TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) information booklet

Click here to download our TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) information booklet

Posted
AuthorUrology Associates
TagsTVT

A radical prostatectomy is an operation for men with prostate cancer. It involves removing the entire prostate gland through a cut in the lower abdomen. Removing the prostate can be curative if the cancer is in an early stage (confined to the prostate and not spread).

Occasionally, this surgery may involve the removal of the pelvic lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which is the cleansing system of the body. 

The pelvic lymph nodes drain the prostate gland and if the cancer is of a higher grade and spreads from the prostate it may be identified within the lymph nodes. 

Radical prostatectomy can be performed by an open approach (shown in the picture on the left) or using a minimally-invasive approach called robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP), shown in the picture on the right. See here for further details on RALP. RALP is now the most frequently performed method of prostate removal in the USA and here in Christchurch we have the largest expertise in this procedure in New Zealand. Both methods may be right for your - ask your urologist for more information.

Click the image above to download our Radical Prostatectomy patient booklet

Posted
AuthorUrology Associates
TagsRRP

Ureteroscopy and laser of stones is an incision-free operation to remove or break up a stone from the ureter by passing a small telescope up the ureter (tube from the kidney to the bladder). Usually a laser is used to shatter a stone but on occasion a stone can be removed in one piece with a basket.

 

Before your operation

You have a stone visible on x-ray or CT scan that is suitable for removal by ureteroscopy.  Your surgeon will discuss this treatment with you and also go over other stone treatment options that are appropriate.

The operation and outcomes will be explained to you by your surgeon. When you feel comfortable that you understand what is to be done and have had all your questions answered you will be asked to sign a consent form. This consent form should be signed by both yourself and your surgeon and forwarded to the hospital at least five days before your admission.

A blood test will need to be performed and a urine sample may need to be taken 4-5 days prior to surgery. Your surgeon will give you a form to take to the laboratory to have these tests done.

An x-ray or CT scan may be performed just before your surgery to check the position of your stone.

If you are over 60, or have other medical conditions, you may also have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the health of your heart prior to surgery.

 

Operation day

On arrival to the hospital, the staff will show you to your bed and guide you through what is required prior to your operation. You should bring all your own medications with you to hospital.

This operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist will discuss this with you before the operation. This usually occurs in your hospital room pre-operatively. Just prior to surgery you may be given a premedication tablet to relax you.

 

The operation

The surgeon passes a small instrument called a ureteroscope through the urethra (water pipe) and bladder into the ureter (tube from the kidney).  This is done with the assistance of x-ray screening.

The surgeon then locates the stone and either removes it with a wire basket or shatters it with a laser.  A stent (tube) may be left in the ureter for a few days to help the urine and any stone chips to flow out.  You may also have a catheter (tube) in your bladder after the procedure.

Expect to go home the same day as your operation.  If you have a catheter in your bladder this will be removed before you leave.  

 

After discharge

You will receive a follow-up appointment for 6 weeks after your operation.  A letter will also be sent to your own doctor about your operation. 

When you get home you should drink twice as much as you would normally to flush your system through and minimise any bleeding.  You should aim to keep your urine permanently colourless to minimise the risk of further stone formation.

You may experience pain in the kidney over the first 24-72 hours due to the swelling caused by insertion of the instrument or by the presence of a stent. Anti-inflammatory painkillers will help this pain which normally settles after 72 hours.

If a stent (tube between kidney and bladder) is inserted you will be informed before your discharge when the stent needs to be removed.  Stents can be removed by you if a string is attached or by flexible cystoscopy at Urology Associates. Click here for more information on stent removal.

 

Complications

All procedures have a potential for side effects.  You should be reassured that, although all these complications are well recognised, the majority of patients do not suffer any problems after a urological procedure.

  • It is common to have blood in the urine.
  • If you develop a fever, severe pain on passing urine, inability to pass urine or worsening bleeding you should contact Urology Associates or your GP immediately. 
  • Small blood clots or stone fragments may travel from your kidney resulting in renal colic. Renal colic may present as intense pain in the side of your abdomen (tummy) which may spread down into the lower abdomen or groin. In this event you should contact Urology Associates any time of the day or night or your GP immediately. 
Posted
AuthorUrology Associates

Sometimes the body’s natural supporting structures are weakened and the vagina slips down from its normal position. Weakness of these supporting structures may be due to vaginal childbirth, aging, hysterectomy and changes in your hormone levels.

An abdominal sacrocolpopexy is an operation performed through a cut in the abdomen (tummy). It lifts the vagina or uterus back into its normal position by attaching a piece of synthetic mesh between the top of the vagina and a bone in the lower part of the spine. This is the gold standard treatment for all types of prolapse and is usually recommended as first-line treatment for more severe prolapse problems. As the mesh is placed via the abdomen and not via the vagina, it is considered very safe and is not associated with the complications seen with vaginal mesh placement. Your urologist will discuss if this is right for you.

Click the image above to download our Abdominal sacrocolpopexy information booklet

Posted
AuthorUrology Associates
Bladder.jpg

A radical cystectomy is the removal of the bladder and surrounding organs. In men, the bladder, prostate gland and seminal vesicles (small glands near the prostate) are removed. In women, the bladder, urethra, uterus and ovaries are removed and the vagina is shortened. The bladder is usually removed by open surgery but the da Vinci robotic method is available for suitable patients.

If you are having a radical cystectomy, another way must be found to collect urine and remove it from the body. There are different ways this can be achieved surgically. These are called an ileal conduit or a neobladder. Information on these options are shown below.

 

Why do I need a cystectomy?

A cystectomy may be required for one of the following reasons: 

  • Cancer of the bladder 

  • Cancer of the uterus, vagina or bowel that involves the bladder 

  • Severe radiotherapy damage with ongoing bleeding from the bladder

  • Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome that hasn't responded to simpler treatments

 

Cystectomy and formation of ileal conduit

An ileal conduit is a tube made out of a short segment of bowel. The ureters (tubes from your kidneys) are attached to one end of the conduit, while the other end is brought through to the surface of the skin.  The open end is called a stoma and is similar in colour to the inside of the cheek.  An external bag (urostomy bag) covers the stoma and collects the urine. 

 

Cystectomy and formation of neobladder

This operation uses a small segment of bowel to create a new bladder (neobladder) that will collect the urine. The ureters (tubes from your kidneys) are attached to the neobladder. The neobladder is then attached to your urethra (out flow pipe). This will allow you to pass urine naturally through your urethra.



Posted
AuthorUrology Associates

A nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of your kidney.  Many people will live a normal, healthy life with only one kidney. Your urologist will perform tests to ensure that your other kidney is functioning normally before proceeding with surgery.

Common reasons for a nephrectomy include: 

  • cancer of the kidney

  • very large kidney stones that have caused significant damage to the kidney

  • non-functioning kidney causing problems like pain or infections

  • kidney donation for transplant

The reason for your surgery will determine which type of nephrectomy will be performed:

  • partial nephrectomy removes only part of the kidney

  • radical nephrectomy (or total nephrectomy) is the removal of the whole kidney, the surrounding fat and possibly the adrenal gland

  • nephroureterectomy is removal of the kidney as well as the ureter (the tube that drains into the bladder)

The surgery can be performed through an open method, laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) or using the da Vinci robotic-assisted method. Your surgeon will discuss which options are right for you. Not all kidneys are suitable for removal buy all methods.

Click on the image above to download our Nephrectomy patient information booklet

Posted
AuthorUrology Associates