Laparoscopic Nephrectomy is where the whole kidney and the surrounding fatty tissue are removed. This is the most common treatment for kidney cancer.
Occasionally kidneys are removed for other reasons including infection, poor function or other abnormalities. A larger incision (approximately 5-10cm) is made in the lower abdomen at the end of the operation to remove the bagged kidney. Typically this procedure would require a hospital stay of 1-3 nights.
The procedure is done under general anaesthetic. A bladder catheter is usually inserted once you are asleep and removed soon after.
