The most common reason a urologic surgeon performs a nephrectomy is to remove a tumor from the kidney. These tumors are usually cancerous, but they can be noncancerous (benign). Sometimes a nephrectomy is needed because of other kidney diseases.

Before kidney surgery, your healthcare provider will give you instructions about how to prepare. You'll need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the days before the operation. Your surgeon will also likely instruct you to fast (not eat) and stop drinking liquids the night before the procedure.

A few days before surgery, your healthcare provider will draw blood. This test determines your blood type in case you need a blood transfusion, and will also determine baseline kidney function and blood counts. 

Your surgeon may use laparoscopic or open surgery. Before either kidney removal procedure, you will receive general anesthesia (medication to help you remain asleep) to ensure you don’t feel anything.

During a laparoscopic nephrectomy, your surgeon:

• Makes one or a few small incisions in your abdomen or side.
• Inserts a long wand with a camera (laparoscope) through the incision.
• Views the camera image from the laparoscope on a large screen.
• Uses the camera image and small surgical tools to remove the diseased portion of your kidney or your entire kidney.
• Closes all incisions with small stitches that will dissolve on their own.

During an open nephrectomy, your surgeon:

• Makes one incision in your abdomen.
• Removes the diseased portion of your kidney or your whole kidney.
• Closes the incision with stitches.

Recovery time after the procedure and the length of your hospital stay depend on your overall health and the type of nephrectomy performed. The urinary catheter remains in place for a short time during your recovery.

Expect to receive instructions before leaving the hospital about restrictions to your diet and activities. You may be encouraged to begin light, everyday activities as soon as you feel able, but you'll need to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for several weeks.

After a nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy, you may have overall normal kidney function. To preserve normal kidney function, your doctor may recommend that you eat a healthy diet, engage in daily physical activity and attend regular checkups to monitor your kidney health.