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Native nephrectomy (kidney removal)
Category: Kidney & Dialysis Procedures · All kidney & dialysis procedures
What it is
A nephrectomy is an operation to remove a kidney, either partially (partial nephrectomy — removing a tumour with a margin, preserving the rest) or completely (radical/simple nephrectomy). Most are done by keyhole or robotic surgery; some need an open operation.
Why it is done
Reasons include kidney cancer (partial where possible for smaller tumours), a non-functioning kidney causing pain, infection or high blood pressure, severe injury, very large polycystic kidneys (for example to make room for a transplant), and living kidney donation.
How to prepare
You will have scans (CT or MRI), blood tests, kidney function assessment and anaesthetic review. You fast before surgery. Tell the team about all medicines, especially blood thinners.
What happens during the procedure
Under general anaesthetic, the kidney is freed from its blood vessels and urine tube and removed — whole kidneys through a small extraction cut in keyhole surgery, tumours in a specimen bag. Surgery takes about two to four hours.
Afterwards — recovery & results
Stay is typically two to four days for keyhole surgery, longer for open. You will have a catheter briefly and be encouraged to walk early. Recovery to normal activities takes about four to six weeks (less for keyhole). With one healthy remaining kidney, most people live normally; kidney function is monitored afterwards.
Risks & considerations
Risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs (bowel, spleen, liver, pancreas depending on side), urine leak after partial nephrectomy, blood clots, and reduced overall kidney function after removal — particularly relevant if the other kidney is not fully healthy. Your surgeon will discuss your situation.
Watch: Native nephrectomy (kidney removal) videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Can I live normally with one kidney?
Yes, in most cases — one healthy kidney handles the body's needs. You will have periodic blood pressure and kidney blood tests, and should tell any clinician you have a single kidney.
Why partial rather than whole kidney removal?
For smaller tumours, removing just the tumour preserves kidney function, which matters for long-term health, while still treating the cancer effectively in suitable cases.
Related procedures — Kidney & Dialysis Procedures
Browse the N section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.