What procedure can a medical doctor do to correct an injury the kidney?
Nephrectomy
A nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a kidney. It is typically performed to treat kidney cancer, kidney failure, or other serious kidney conditions.
Types of Nephrectomy
There are two main types of nephrectomy:
* Radical nephrectomy: This type of nephrectomy involves removing the entire kidney, along with the adrenal gland and surrounding tissue. It is typically performed for kidney cancer.
* Partial nephrectomy: This type of nephrectomy involves removing only the affected part of the kidney. It is typically performed for kidney failure or other non-cancerous kidney conditions.
Procedure
A nephrectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen or back, and then remove the kidney. The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours.
Recovery
After a nephrectomy, patients typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. They may need to take pain medication and antibiotics for several weeks. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
Risks
Nephrectomy is a major surgery, and there are some risks associated with the procedure, including:
* Bleeding
* Infection
* Blood clots
* Damage to other organs
* Kidney failure
Success Rates
The success rate of nephrectomy depends on the underlying condition being treated. For kidney cancer, the 5-year survival rate is about 70%. For kidney failure, the 5-year survival rate is about 60%.
Nephrectomy is a safe and effective procedure that can be used to treat a variety of kidney conditions.