Nephrectomy

A nephrectomy removes all or part of a diseased kidney and is most often performed to treat kidney cancer.

What It Treats

This procedure treats kidney cancer and certain other kidney conditions that don’t respond to less invasive treatment.

What Surgery Involves

Depending on your diagnosis, your surgeon may recommend a partial nephrectomy, removing only the affected portion of the kidney, or a radical nephrectomy, removing the entire kidney. Robotic-assisted techniques are often used for greater precision.

Recovery Time

Most patients spend a short time in the hospital after surgery, with a full recovery typically taking several weeks.

Who May Be a Candidate

This option may be considered for patients with kidney cancer and selected severe kidney conditions. Candidacy depends on the diagnosis, prior treatments, anatomy, overall health, and personal goals. A consultation with a urologist is necessary because the same symptom can have different causes, and another treatment may be more appropriate for some patients.

How the Procedure Works

In simple terms, part or all of the affected kidney is removed through robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, or open surgery depending on the case. Your care team will explain where the procedure takes place, what type of anesthesia or sedation may be used, how long it generally takes, and whether you should adjust food, fluids, or medications beforehand. Never stop a prescription medicine unless the treating clinician instructs you to do so.

Preparing for Treatment

Before the procedure, the team may review bloodwork, urine testing, imaging, allergies, medications, and relevant medical conditions. Patients should arrange transportation when sedation or anesthesia is planned and follow the written preparation instructions closely. Asking questions in advance can make the day of treatment feel more predictable.

Recovery and Possible Side Effects

Recovery differs from person to person. hospital stay, pain control, activity limits, and kidney function monitoring are part of recovery. Your physician will provide instructions for activity, bathing, hydration, pain control, catheter or incision care when applicable, and signs that should prompt a call. Severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding, inability to urinate, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be reported promptly.

Results and Follow-Up

most patients can live well with one healthy kidney when the remaining kidney functions normally. Follow-up is an important part of treatment because it allows the urologist to monitor healing, review symptom improvement, and decide whether any additional care is needed. Some treatments provide immediate improvement, while others work gradually over days or weeks.

Making an Informed Decision

Premier Urology explains the expected benefits, limitations, alternatives, and possible risks in clear language. Patients are encouraged to discuss how treatment could affect work, caregiving, exercise, travel, urinary function, and sexual health. The goal is to select an option that is medically appropriate and aligned with the patient’s priorities.

Schedule an Appointment

Ask our team whether a nephrectomy is the right option for you. Schedule an appointment with Premier Urology to get started.

Comprehensive Care at Premier Urology

Premier Urology’s approach to nephrectomy reflects the practice’s broader commitment to comprehensive, compassionate urologic care. The team includes two board-certified urologists with surgical privileges at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. Patients receive explanations in plain language, opportunities to ask questions, and recommendations based on their health history and goals. Because urologic symptoms can be personal, the practice emphasizes privacy, professionalism, and trust from the first call through follow-up. Adult men and women throughout the greater Houston area are encouraged to seek evaluation when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting everyday life. Early attention can help identify the cause, rule out more serious concerns, and provide a clearer range of treatment choices. The care team also coordinates testing, procedures, surgical planning, and recovery guidance when those services are needed.

At every stage, the patient remains part of the decision-making process. Your urologist will discuss what is known, what additional information may be needed, and the benefits and limitations of available options. Instructions are provided for preparation, medication use, recovery, and follow-up as appropriate. Patients should contact the office with questions and seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. This practical, individualized approach supports both informed choices and a more comfortable healthcare experience.