Radical Nephrectomy
The removal of your entire kidney. There main surgical options for a radical neprectomy are:
Laparoscopic Approach
Most radical nephrectomies can now be performed laparoscopically. In a laparoscopic approach, four quarter-sized incisions are made, through which a small camera and several instruments are able to enter your abdomen and remove the kidney. Toward the end of the procedure, one baseball-sized incision is made in order to remove the kidney. The most significant benefit of this approach is the reduction of post-operative pain, allowing for a more rapid return to work and your normal daily routine.
Open Approach
Sometimes, because of the tumor’s size, or its extension and involvement with other organs, a laparoscopic approach isn’t the best choice. In these cases, a 10-inch-sized incision is made (typically underneath the rib cage), in order to remove the kidney and surrounding tissues.