Nephrectomy - the surgical removal of the Kidney
Before we discuss in more detail the term nephrectomy, let's it's important to know that he cancer of the kidney is also called renal cell cancer, renal kidney cancer or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The surgical removal of the kidney is called nephrectomy. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, a partial nephrectomy might be the preferable option, in order to save as much of the healthy tissue of the kidney. Otherwise a radical nephrectomy – the removal of the entire organ – is necessary. Nowadays, it is possible to have this procedure done with minimally invasive technique, called laparoscopic nephrectomy. After I had my CT-Scans and PET-Scans done – plus the obligatory physical exams and checks – I got cleared for my radical laparoscopic nephrectomy. A partial nephrectomy was not possible in my case, because my renal kidney cancer was too close to the ureter. I tolerated my procedure very well. As a matter of fact, I was discharged from the hospital on the next day. The pain was bearable and interestingly enough, it was my shoulder that started to hurt tremendously all of a sudden two days later. During the nephrectomy, I must have been laying on my right side and in an awkward position. According to my brother in law, it is actually not uncommon that patients complain about severe shoulder pain after surgery. A total of six incisions were necessary for my laparoscopic nephrectomy. The biggest one is right over my belly button and is about 2 inches. That’s where my ‘kidneycancer’ (the whole thing-hopefully!) was pulled out through. The other incisions were made for the cameras and the gas that is being pumped into the abdomen from preventing the organs to fall on top of each other.
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