• info@vivavel.com
  • +919818262686
  • +919818262686

Medical Treatments

Kidney Surgery

Kidney surgery is performed when serious kidney issues are not treated with medicines or simple treatments. Some common reasons for kidney surgery include large kidney stones that are too big to pass naturally, kidney cancer, or kidney failure. In kidney failure, the kidney stops working correctly, which may require a transplant or other surgical intervention. Another reason for surgery is when there is a blockage in the kidney that prevents urine from flowing normally, causing pain and potential damage.

Some people may also need surgery to repair damage caused by injury or disease. Sometimes, part of the kidney is removed, while in more severe cases, the entire kidney may need to be removed. Doctors will first try noninvasive methods, like medications or minimally invasive procedures, but if those don't work, surgery becomes necessary. Recovery from kidney surgery can take a few weeks, and patients may need to follow a specific diet and take medications after the operation to help their bodies heal.

Signs & Symptoms

Some symptoms suggest you may need kidney surgery, including:

  • Persistent Pain: Pain in the lower back, side, or abdomen, particularly near the kidney.
  • Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Visible pink, red, or cola-colored urine.
  • Frequent Urination: Especially during the night (nocturia) or inability to urinate.
  • Swelling: Puffiness around the eyes, hands, or feet due to fluid retention.
  • Fatigue and Weakness: Caused by reduced kidney function leading to toxin buildup.
  • High Blood Pressure: A symptom often linked with kidney diseases.
  • Fever and Chills: Indicative of infections such as pyelonephritis.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Resulting from the buildup of toxins in the blood.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss: A common symptom of chronic kidney diseases.
Causes

Kidney surgery is often required for one of these conditions:

  • Large kidney stones: Stones too big to pass on their own or that block urine flow.
  • Kidney cancer: Removal of a cancerous tumor or part/all of a kidney.
  • Kidney failure: In severe cases, the kidney may need removal.
  • Kidney infections: Chronic or severe infections that damage the kidneys.
  • Congenital abnormalities: Conditions present from birth that impair kidney function.
  • Trauma: Injury to the kidney due to accidents.
  • Obstructions: Blockages in the urinary tract affecting kidney function.
When to seek medical attention?

Experience any of these symptoms or have a condition that is not improving with medication. It may be time to talk to a doctor about surgery:

  • Severe pain that doesn't go away.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Infections that recur or don't respond to antibiotics.
  • Difficulty urinating.
  • Symptoms of kidney failure: swelling, fatigue, high blood pressure.
Diagnostics & Tests

Before deciding on surgery, doctors will run several tests to diagnose the problem and evaluate kidney function:

  • Blood tests: To check kidney function and important substances like creatinine levels.
  • Urine tests: To look for signs of infection, blood, or abnormal substances.
  • Imaging tests:
    • Ultrasound: A noninvasive way to look at the kidneys.
    • CT scan: Provides detailed images to locate kidney stones or tumors.
    • MRI: Used for a more detailed view, especially for kidney cancer.
    • X-rays: Sometimes used to assess kidney stones.
  • Biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue may be taken to check for cancer.
Do’s & Don’ts

Do's:

  • Drink plenty of water: Stay hydrated to help your body heal.
  • Follow your doctor's advice: Take all prescribed medications and attend follow-up appointments.
  • Rest: Allow your body time to recover after surgery.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to aid healing.
  • Exercise gently: Start with light activities as your body heals, but avoid heavy lifting.
  • Keep your incision clean: Follow your doctor's instructions to prevent infection.

Don'ts:

  • Don't strain yourself: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for several weeks.
  • Don't ignore signs of infection: If your incision becomes red, swollen, or painful, see a doctor.
  • Don't skip medications: Follow your medication schedule strictly to avoid complications.
  • Don't smoke: Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.

 

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

  1. Cleveland Clinic | Getting a Kidney Transplant
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine | Kidney Transplant
  3. American Society of Nephrology | Kidney Transplantation: Current Concepts and Future Directions
  4. National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) | Dual Kidney Transplantation
  5. National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) | Current Therapies in Kidney Transplant Rejection
     

Frequently Asked Questions For Kidney Surgery

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery but generally takes 4-6 weeks for significant surgeries like a nephrectomy. Minimally invasive procedures may have a shorter recovery period.

Like any surgery, there are risks (infection, bleeding, or reactions to anesthesia). Still, most kidney surgeries are routine and safe when done by experienced surgeons.

Yes, many people live normal, healthy lives with just one kidney. The remaining kidney usually adapts to handle the workload of both kidneys.

You won't need dialysis unless both kidneys are failing. If only one kidney is removed or treated, the other kidney can still function normally.

Pain levels vary, but your doctor will prescribe pain relief to manage discomfort. Most patients report that the pain subsides a few days after surgery.

Options include dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Adopting a kidney-friendly diet, regular exercise, and routine checkups are crucial.

Insurance coverage can be different for everyone, so it's a good idea to talk to your insurance company to find out what applies to you.

Infection, bleeding, blood clots, or reduced kidney function are potential risks.

Best Hospitals in Kidney Surgery

Explore All Hospitals in Kidney Surgery
BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi – State-of-the-art medical facility
BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital

Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India

Accord Superspeciality Hospital, a leading healthcare facility in Faridabad, offering advanced treatments with modern infrastructure.
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Budena Village, Sector 86, Faridabad, Haryana 121002, India

High-tech medical equipment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, ensuring accurate diagnostics and advanced treatment solutions.
Artemis Hospital

Artemis Hospitals Sector 51, Gurugram 122001 Haryana, India

SHALBY Sanar International Hospital, Gurugram – trusted healthcare destination for global patients via VivaVel.com
SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram

Golf Course Rd, Parsvnath Exotica, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana Gurgaon, 122022 India

PARAS Health, Gurugram – top multispecialty hospital for international patients via VivaVel.com
PARAS Health, Gurugram

C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002

High-end cardiac and orthopedic surgery at Max Hospital Dehradun – trusted by overseas patients with VivaVel.com support
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun

Mussoorie, Diversion Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Top Doctors in Kidney Surgery

Explore All Doctors in Kidney Surgery
Jitendra Kumar
  • Dr. Jitendra Kumar
  • Chairman
  • Nephrology And Kidney Transplant Surgery
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. Jitendra Kumar is a famous name in nephrology and is renowned as the top kidney specialist in Faridabad, India. He completed his DM (Nephrology) at the Sanjay Gan...

View Details Book Consultation
Ajit Singh Narula
  • Dr. Ajit Singh Narula
  • Principal Director Nephrology
  • Nephrology | Organ Transplant | Kidney T...
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr. Narula has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Air Marshal Ajit Nath Award, Maj Gen Amir Chand Award, Chief of Naval Staff Award, Best Officer Award, and ...

View Details Book Consultation
Sanjeev Gulati
  • Dr. Sanjeev Gulati
  • Senior Consultant
  • Nephrology | Organ Transplant | Kidney T...
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr. Sanjeev Gulati is an Executive Director in the Department of Nephrology & Kidney Transplant and previously worked as an Additional Professor in Nephrology at Sanjay G...

View Details Book Consultation
Paresh Jain
  • Dr. Paresh Jain
  • Director Urology
  • Urology | Organ Transplant | Kidney Tran...
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr. Paresh Jain is the director of urology and has over 16 years of rich experience. He specializes in Laparoscopic Urology, Endourology - URS, PCNL, RIRS, TURP, Lase...

View Details Book Consultation
Akash Gupta
  • Dr. Akash Gupta
  • Associate Consultant
  • Nephrologist | Renal Specialist
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr. Akash Gupta is a renowned nephrologist and kidney transplant specialist in New Delhi. He is an Associate Consultant in Nephrology at Escort Fortis and brings over...

View Details Book Consultation
Sonal Dalal
  • Dr. Sonal Dalal
  • Director
  • Nephrology And Kidney Transplant Surgery
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad

Dr. Sonal Dalal is a highly respected nephrologist in Ahmedabad. She is renowned for her extensive experience and expertise in kidney-related ailments. She se...

View Details Book Consultation
X

Get FREE Evalution

Treatment Plan & Cost within 2 days

By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy of VivaVel.com. captcha