Partial Nephrectomy

Sometimes a small tumor or abnormal growth forms inside one kidney. When this happens, it’s often possible to remove just the tumor and a thin rim of surrounding tissue while preserving the rest of the kidney.

This procedure is called a partial nephrectomy, or kidney-sparing surgery. It allows your doctor to treat the abnormal growth effectively while maintaining as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.

Partial nephrectomy consultations are available in the Charlotte, NC and West Columbia, SC areas.

Who Might Need a Partial Nephrectomy?

Partial nephrectomy offers an effective way to remove kidney cancer. It combines excellent cancer control with long-term protection of kidney function. A partial nephrectomy is commonly recommended when:

The tumor is small and located in one part of the kidney
You have only one functioning kidney
You already have reduced kidney function or medical conditions that could affect your kidneys in the future
You have a hereditary condition that increases the risk of kidney tumors

This approach helps preserve kidney function by removing only the diseased portion of the organ. It thereby lowers the chance of developing chronic kidney disease later on.

How Is a Partial Nephrectomy Performed?

Your surgeon will review your imaging studies, such as a CT or MRI scan, to understand the size and location of your tumor and the anatomy of your kidney. The surgery may be performed in one of three ways:

1. Laparoscopic surgery

In a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor or diseased portion of the kidney through several small incisions. A tiny camera, called a laparoscope, provides a clear view inside the body, while long, thin instruments are used to perform the surgery.

This minimally invasive approach avoids the need for a large open incision. This often means less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal activities.

2. Minimally invasive surgery

A robotic partial nephrectomy is similar to laparoscopic surgery. However, a robotic surgical system is used to enhance precision and control. The surgeon operates the robotic arms from a console, viewing the surgical area in high-definition 3D. This system allows for extremely fine movements.

The benefits are that it can help preserve healthy kidney tissue, minimize blood loss, and improve overall accuracy. Typically, less discomfort, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery are observed compared to traditional open surgery.

3. Open surgery

An open partial nephrectomy is performed through a larger incision, usually on the side or front of the abdomen. This approach is typically chosen for tumors that are deeper, larger, or more complex to reach. During surgery, the blood flow to the kidney is temporarily stopped to allow for precise tumor removal. The surgeon removes the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. He or she then reconstructs the kidney and sutures the remaining tissue to restore the kidney’s shape and function.

Although recovery takes longer than with minimally invasive techniques, this method can be the best option for certain tumor locations.

What Are the Benefits of Partial Nephrectomy?

A partial nephrectomy aims to remove the cancer while saving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. This helps protect your overall kidney function so your body can keep filtering waste and maintaining balance. Benefits include:

Reduced risk of kidney failure or long-term dialysis
Better overall health outcomes compared with removing the entire kidney
Comparable cure rates to full kidney removal for small or localized tumors

Keeping healthy kidney tissue can also lower the risk of future heart or metabolic problems linked to decreased kidney function.

This approach not only treats the cancer but also helps protect your kidney function for the future.