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Partial nephrectomy is surgery to remove a tumor or diseased portion of a kidney while leaving the rest of that kidney in place. For kidney cancer, the surgeon usually removes the tumor with a small rim of surrounding healthy tissue. It is also called kidney-sparing surgery. Preserving healthy tissue can help maintain kidney function.
read more about partial nephrectomy ...Partial nephrectomy may be recommended for a kidney tumor that can be removed while preserving useful kidney tissue. The decision depends on the tumor's size and location, kidney function, and overall health. It can be especially valuable when protecting remaining kidney function is a concern. The surgeon weighs cancer treatment against the technical risks of the operation.
The surgeon removes the affected area and repairs the remaining kidney. The operation may use an open incision or a minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic approach. The choice depends on the tumor and the surgeon's assessment. The entire kidney is not routinely removed during a planned partial nephrectomy.
Hospital stay and recovery time depend on the surgical approach and any complications. The care team monitors pain, bleeding, urine output, and kidney function after surgery. Activity is increased gradually according to the surgeon's instructions. Follow-up may include blood tests and imaging, particularly when cancer was removed.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, and reduced kidney function. A urine leak can occur where the kidney has been repaired. Further treatment may be needed if complications arise or cancer findings call for it. Kidney function and, when relevant, cancer recurrence are monitored after surgery.
No. The surgeon removes the affected part and preserves the remaining kidney when possible.
Yes. Preserving healthy tissue is intended to retain kidney function, although function can still change after surgery.
Yes. Open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches are possible depending on the tumor and surgical plan.
Yes. Follow-up checks kidney function and may include imaging to look for cancer recurrence.
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Kidney removal surgery: Partial vs. radical nephrectomy. MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-is-a-nephrectomy--8-things-to-know-about-kidney-removal-sur.h00-159856134.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Nephrectomy (kidney removal). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nephrectomy/about/pac-20385165. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Partial Nephrectomy: Purpose, Types, Procedure & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16214-open-partial-nephrectomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.