In a partialnephrectomy, a portion of your kidney is surgically removed, sparing some function in that kidney.
This surgery is most often performed in instances of asmall tumor localized to the kidney.
Thenephronis thefiltering unit of the kidney.
Photo composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
The location of the tumor or other diseased tissue also determines whether a partial nephrectomy is possible.
You will be admitted to the hospital for this procedure and recovery.
Blood flow to the area is temporarily suspended to keep blood loss down.
The tumor is meticulously cut away from the kidney and removed.
The remaining tissue is repaired with sutures.
This laparoscopic procedure may be performed robotically.
You will be able to resume your usual diet after returning home.
After that, taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) is usually sufficient.
If you’ve had open surgery, recovery will be longer.
You may need to stay in the hospital for up to one week.
During this time, you must avoid scrubbing your wound.
If you’ve had open surgery, you should also avoid strenuous activity for up to three months.
Talk to your healthcare provider about when you’re free to resume driving.
It usually takes about one week for pathology results to come in.
Summary
A partial kidney removal is a treatment option for some kidney tumors.
It allows you to retain some kidney function.
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