What Is a Radical Nephrectomy?

A radical nephrectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire kidney is removed, along with surrounding tissue. Depending on the cancer's spread, this may also include the adrenal gland, fat around the kidney, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.

This surgery is typically used for:

• Larger tumors (greater than 7 cm or about 2.8 inches)
• Tumors located deep within the kidney or near major blood vessels
• Cancers that have spread into surrounding structures but not distant organs
• Cases where partial nephrectomy is not possible due to tumor complexity

How Is It Performed?

Radical nephrectomy can be done through:

• Open surgery – a traditional approach involving a larger incision
• Laparoscopic surgery – using small incisions and a camera
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery – for greater precision and quicker recovery

The surgeon detaches the kidney from blood vessels and the ureter, then removes the kidney and associated tissues. If needed, lymph nodes may be taken out to check for cancer spread.

What Happens After the Surgery?

The remaining kidney usually takes over the work of both kidneys. Most people can live a healthy life with just one kidney. However, your doctor will monitor kidney function with regular blood tests and imaging scans.

Benefits and Risks

Radical nephrectomy is highly effective for removing localized or locally advanced kidney cancer. The main risk is a loss of kidney function, especially if the remaining kidney is weak or diseased. Other risks include bleeding, infection, or complications from anesthesia.

In certain advanced or metastatic cases, removing the kidney may still be helpful to reduce tumor burden and improve outcomes from other treatments like immunotherapy.

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