Kidney surgery for tumours, including kidney-sparing options where suitable. Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of a kidney, most often to treat a kidney tumour, and modern keyhole techniques allow a precise operation with a comfortable recovery. Dr. Anish Gupta offers nephrectomy and kidney-sparing surgery across Delhi NCR.
What is nephrectomy?
Nephrectomy is an operation to remove kidney tissue. There are two main types. A partial nephrectomy removes only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue while preserving the rest of the kidney — the kidney-sparing option. A radical nephrectomy removes the whole kidney, and sometimes nearby tissue, when the tumour is large or centrally placed. Wherever it is safe and effective, kidney-sparing surgery is preferred so that as much healthy kidney function as possible is protected. Many nephrectomies are now performed by laparoscopic (keyhole) or robotic techniques through small incisions.
When a nephrectomy is needed
Nephrectomy is most often carried out to treat a kidney tumour, but it has other uses too. It may be advised for:
- A cancerous kidney tumour (renal cell carcinoma)
- A large or complex kidney mass that cannot be watched safely
- A kidney so damaged by disease, infection or blockage that it no longer works
- Severe injury to a kidney, or a non-functioning kidney causing pain, high blood pressure or recurrent infection
Tumours affecting the drainage system of the kidney or ureter fall under related upper urinary tract surgery, which Dr. Anish Gupta will discuss if relevant to you.
How the procedure works
Nephrectomy is performed under general anaesthesia, most often by keyhole surgery. In outline:
- A few small incisions are made (or one larger incision for open surgery when needed), and the abdomen is gently inflated for a clear view.
- The kidney is carefully freed from the surrounding tissue, and its blood vessels and the ureter are identified and secured.
- For a partial nephrectomy the tumour alone is removed and the kidney repaired; for a radical nephrectomy the whole kidney is removed.
- The tissue is taken out through a small incision, and the area is closed. A thin drain may be left briefly to allow fluid to escape.
Benefits
- Effective removal of a kidney tumour or a diseased, non-working kidney
- Kidney-sparing partial surgery preserves as much function as possible
- Keyhole and robotic techniques mean smaller scars and less pain
- Less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay than traditional open surgery
- A quicker return to normal daily life
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery is generally smoother after keyhole surgery, with most people going home within a few days. You will be encouraged to move about early to aid healing, and you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks. If a whole kidney is removed, the remaining kidney usually takes over the workload well, and Dr. Anish Gupta will advise on simple ways to protect your long-term kidney health, including staying well hydrated and monitoring blood pressure. Follow-up scans and tests are arranged as appropriate.
Risks and safety
Nephrectomy is a well-established and safe operation, but as with any major surgery there are risks to be aware of — bleeding, infection, or injury to nearby structures — which are uncommon in experienced hands. There may be a temporary or small long-term reduction in overall kidney function, which is monitored afterwards. Dr. Anish Gupta explains the risks and benefits of each approach clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with more than 20 years' experience and a special interest in uro-oncology and minimally-invasive surgery. Holding MBBS, MS and DNB (Urology) qualifications, he favours kidney-sparing techniques wherever suitable and guides you clearly through every option, with care available at three convenient locations across Delhi NCR — Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live normally with only one kidney?
Yes. A single healthy kidney can usually do the work of two, and most people live an entirely normal life after one is removed. Simple habits such as staying well hydrated, keeping blood pressure controlled and having occasional check-ups help protect it.
Will you try to save part of my kidney?
Wherever it is safe and effective, kidney-sparing partial nephrectomy is preferred so that healthy kidney tissue is preserved. Whether this is possible depends on the size and position of the tumour, which is assessed carefully with scans beforehand.
How long does recovery from nephrectomy take?
After keyhole surgery most people go home within a few days and return to light activity in a few weeks, avoiding heavy lifting for a little longer. Recovery from open surgery takes somewhat longer, and Dr. Anish Gupta gives tailored aftercare advice.
Is keyhole surgery as effective as open surgery for kidney tumours?
For suitable tumours, laparoscopic and robotic surgery achieve the same removal of the tumour as open surgery, with smaller scars, less pain and a faster recovery. The right approach depends on the tumour and your overall health.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.