Partial nephrectomy

A partial nephrectomy is a surgery where the doctor removes only the part of the kidney that has cancer, leaving the healthy tissue behind, so your kidney can still do its job after the surgery.

How it’s done

• You’ll be given general anaesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
• There are two ways to do a partial nephrectomy:
  • One option is open surgery, where the doctor makes a cut in the abdomen to directly reach the kidney and tumour. 
  • The other option is laparoscopic surgery, where small cuts are made, and the doctor uses thin tube-like instruments to see inside the body and remove the tumour. 

Both methods work well. Laparoscopic surgery usually helps you recover faster, but it's more complicated and needs a doctor who is experienced with it.

• The doctor carefully removes the part of the kidney with the tumour, making sure to keep as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
• When the tumour is removed, the doctor will close the cut with stitches or staples.
• If the tumour has spread to the kidney’s collecting system, the doctor might need to put in a special tube, called a double-J stent, to help urine flow properly. The stent will be taken out once you’ve healed and your urine flow is back to normal, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

The kidney's collecting system is the part of the kidney where urine collects before it moves into the bladder.

Sometimes, a surgical robot is used to assist with laparoscopic surgery. Watch this video to see what a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy looks like.

What happens after the surgery?

• You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery to make sure you're healing well and managing any pain. Keep in mind that the length of hospital stay can vary in different countries.
• You’ll need to take it easy for a few weeks. After surgery, you can usually start with light activities like walking, but you should avoid heavy lifting or hard exercise until your doctor says it's okay.
• Your doctor will plan regular follow-up visits to check how you are doing. These follow-up visits usually last for at least 5 years. Common tests during these visits include scans of your abdomen (like CT or ultrasound), chest X-rays, and urine and blood tests.
• Over time, most people start to feel more energetic and can go back to their usual activities, but it may take a few months to fully heal.

What are the side effects?

• You might feel some pain or soreness in the treated area, but it usually eases up in a few days.
• It's normal to feel tired or low on energy as your body heals.
• It’s normal to see some blood in your urine for a short time after surgery.
• Since part of your kidney is removed, the other kidney has to do more work. Some people notice changes in how their kidneys work, but the remaining kidney usually manages fine.

You need to go to your doctor or to the hospital right away if you:

• Have a fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F). This could be a sign of infection.
• If you see a lot of blood in your urine or have bleeding from the surgery area that won’t stop.
• Have heavy blood loss or pain that doesn’t improve with medication or suddenly gets much worse.

What is the impact of the treatment?

Partial nephrectomy is a common surgery for kidney cancer that hasn’t spread. Most people stay cancer-free for up to 5 years after the surgery. Having two healthy kidneys after surgery helps keep your kidneys working well and supports your overall health.

The information provided here is general and may vary based on where you live. You may want to ask your doctor for advice that's specific to your situation. 

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

About the surgery

• Why is partial nephrectomy recommended for me?
• How is partial nephrectomy different from radical nephrectomy?
• Will I have open surgery or laparoscopic/robot-assisted surgery? Why?
• How long will the surgery take?
• What are the risks of the surgery and what problems could come up?

After the surgery

• How long will I stay in the hospital? 
• What is recovery going to be like for me? 
• What should I expect during recovery at home?
• How will my pain be treated after surgery?
• When can I return to my normal activities, such as work or exercise?
• How soon can I return to work?

Follow-up and long-term outlook

• How often will I need follow-up appointments?
• What tests will be done to keep an eye on my kidney health and check if the cancer comes back?
• What are the chances of the cancer coming back after this surgery?
• What happens if the cancer comes back? 
• Will I need any more treatments after surgery?
• How can I protect my kidney health in the future? 

These questions can help you understand your treatment and feel more prepared.

This chapter contains general information about partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: February 2025