Nephrectomy
"In our department, we have a long experience of more than 40 years in kidney transplantation. We have the technique of living donor, which offers new possibilities of treatment to the patient".
DR. FERNANDO DÍEZ-CABALLERO ALONSO SPECIALIST. UROLOGY DEPARTMENT
What is a nephrectomy?
Nephrectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the kidney. If only part of the organ is dried out, it is called a partial nephrectomy.
When the kidney and surrounding tissues including the adrenal gland are removed, it is called a radical nephrectomy.
Nowadays, in most cases it is a procedure that is performed laparoscopically, which means that the patient's recovery is better and the possibilities of complications are much lower.
The Department of Urology of the Clinic has an experience of more than 40 years, both in the diagnosis and treatment of all the pathologies of the kidney, and in the transplant of this organ.
When is nephrectomy indicated?
This procedure is indicated in benign pathology (hydronephrosis, lithiasis and infection with destruction of the renal parenchyma) and in the case of renal tumors, such as hypernephroma.
Sometimes, the kidney is also removed after a trauma that causes serious injuries to the organ that cannot be repaired.
Removal is also performed on people who donate their kidney for transplantation. This technique offers new possibilities to patients who have been on a waiting list for a long time and have a compatible donor among their family members.
Most frequent indications of this disease:
- Destruction of the kidney from various causes (infectious, lithiasis, obstructions, etc.)
- Tumors of the renal parenchyma.
- Upper urothelium tumors (pelvis, calyxes, ureter...)
Do you have any of these diseases?
You may need to have a nephrectomy
How is a nephrectomy performed?
Today, in the Department of Urology, more than 90% of nephrectomies are performed by laparoscopic technique, introducing CO2 gas into the abdomen to distend it.
This minimally invasive technique allows, through 3 or 4 mini-incisions of 0.5 to 1.2 cm, the introduction of plastic tubes, through which the organ is dissected and later extracted, through a 6 cm incision in the pubic area.
The advantages of this technique are: non-significant bleeding, less postoperative pain, early discharge (3-4 days), less surgical scarring and earlier return to work. The intervention is always performed under general anesthesia.
In cases with large tumors or suspected extra-renal affectation may be necessary conventional open surgery.
After the operation, the patient must remain in hospital for a period that varies between 2 and 7 days, depending on the surgical method used.
During part of this period, he will have a urinary catheter, placed to drain the urine. Intense activity is not recommended for up to six weeks after the procedure.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Urology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Urology of the University of Navarra Clinic offers the patient a medical team, composed of first-rate professionals, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic means such as the Da Vinci® robotic surgery.
The Department of Urology possesses the certificate of accreditation of the European Board of Urology, a reinforcement of the excellence of the service at the level of care, teaching and research, which in Spain only three hospital centers possess.
Diseases we treat:
- Prostate Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Urinary Incontinence
- Renal Lithiasis
- Genitourinary Prolapses
- Pediatric Urology
Why at the Clinica?
- A team of top-level professionals trained in international centers.
- State-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment.
- In 24-48 hours you can start the most appropriate treatment.
Our team of professionals
Urology specialists with experience in performing nephrectomies
