The kidneys are two bean-like organs whose primary function is to remove excess water, salt, and waste substances from the blood as it travels through the renal arteries.

An abnormal growth of the kidney mass becomes a tumor. Some kidney tumors are benign (non-cancerous), whereas others are malignant (cancerous). Renal cell carcinoma is the most frequent type of kidney cancer in adults.

Radical nephrectomy is a popular Kidney cancer treatment in Delhi performed by Dr. Niren Rao, an experienced urologist and his team that involves the removal of the whole kidney and fatty tissue around it. This type of nephrectomy is required when a partial nephrectomy got unsuccessful. This surgery is generally advised to treat kidney cancers that are still not spread but show growth in the surrounding tissue.

Aim of nephrectomy:

Nephrectomy is a first-line treatment for most kidney cancer patients. It is used to remove all or part of a kidney in a variety of situations, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Damage from kidney disease or kidney stones
• Damage due to an accident or trauma
• Congenital disabilities
• Kidney transplant.

Radical nephrectomy for kidney cancer:

Radical nephrectomy involves the removal of the entire kidney, a margin of healthy tissue, and sometimes extra healthy tissue nearby, such as the lymph glands or the adrenal gland. It is often suggested for kidney cancers that have not yet spread but have developed into surrounding tissue. It can also treat stage I cancers when partial nephrectomy cannot be used. Most people can live having only one functional kidney without serious complications.

 Procedure

For radical nephrectomy, patients will be sedated (under general anesthesia). The tumor's size is determined to start the surgery. The surgeon uses a protective layer of fatty tissue to cover the kidney and it avoids tumor leakage. The renal artery, vein, and ureter are separated from the kidney. At last, the kidney gets removed.

There are two methods for doing radical nephrectomy, all are equally effective.

Open nephrectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the kidney through a large incision; if the Damage is severe or complex, it may be preferable.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy: This minimally invasive surgery involves making small incisions along the belly and performing the nephrectomy with specific equipment. A laparoscopic nephrectomy may be preferred to an open nephrectomy because of the faster recovery periods.

Laparoscopy's main benefit is reducing pain and postoperative recovery time. Patients can walk within one day of their surgery and are ready to take discharge within three days.

Patients who have had open surgery typically require a more extended healing period. A surgical robot system can also help in laparoscopic surgery. If one wants to know more on kidney cancer and other treatments available to treat it they can consult Dr. Niren Rao, Kidney Doctor in Delhi at his clinic, Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice.

After Surgery:

• Following a radical nephrectomy for kidney cancer, the doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments with the patients.
• The analysis of the removed tumor determines the regularity of these visits.
• Follow-up visits will last at least five years.
• Imaging of the abdomen (CT scans and ultrasound), chest X-rays, and urine and blood analysis are standard diagnostics performed during follow-up visits.

Thus, a Radical nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to treat kidney cancer which does not touch other tissue. Most patients get cancer-free for up to 5 years with this surgery. In addition, the patient has a high risk of chronic kidney disease due to only one functioning kidney present. Hence, regular follow-ups with the doctor is necessary.

Other kidney cancer treatments are also performed by Dr. Niren Rao like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Do visit the clinic Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practise to learn more!