A nephrectomy is surgery to take out part or all of the kidney. One or both kidneys may be taken out. Sometimes other tissue near the kidney is taken out at the same time.
The doctor will take out your kidney through a long cut in the front or side of your belly. This cut is called an incision. The incision will leave a scar that will fade with time.
Your body can work fine with one healthy kidney. But if both kidneys are removed, or if the kidney you have left is not healthy, you will need other treatment after surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about this.
You will probably spend 3 to 5 days in the hospital. You will need to take it easy for 4 to 6 weeks at home.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
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