Best Doctor List Near You for Radical Nephrectomy in Brookline

Radical nephrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the complete removal of a kidney along with the surrounding tissues, including the adrenal gland, fatty tissue, and sometimes the nearby lymph nodes. This surgery is primarily performed to treat kidney cancer, particularly when the tumor is large, aggressive, or has spread to surrounding structures. It may also be indicated in cases of severe kidney damage from trauma, non-cancerous but problematic kidney tumors, or other conditions where the kidney is no longer functional and poses a health risk. The cause necessitating a radical nephrectomy is often linked to the presence of a malignant tumor, which, if left untreated, can metastasize to other parts of the body, leading to more serious health complications. While radical nephrectomy is a critical procedure for managing kidney cancer, it carries certain risks and potential complications. These can include bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding organs (such as the spleen, pancreas, or intestines), and complications related to anesthesia. Postoperatively, patients may experience a reduction in overall kidney function, especially if the remaining kidney is not entirely healthy. In some cases, long-term complications such as chronic kidney disease or hypertension can develop. Additionally, the loss of a kidney may have psychological impacts on the patient, especially if lifestyle changes are necessary to accommodate the reduced renal function. Despite these risks, radical nephrectomy remains a key treatment option for many patients with kidney cancer, offering the potential for cure or significant disease control.