Nephrectomy

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
₱ 0

Things you need to know

1.What is ​Nephrectomy?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Nephrectomy?

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Why do you need Nephrectomy ?

Nephrectomy is indicated for:

  • Kidney cancer:
    • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC, 90% of kidney cancers; 3–5 per 100,000 in India).
    • Stages I–III (5-year survival: 70–90% for stage I; 50–70% for stage II–III).
    • Transitional cell carcinoma (if in renal pelvis, rare).
  • Benign conditions:
    • Non-functioning kidney (e.g., from chronic infection, stones, or hydronephrosis).
    • Severe trauma (e.g., laceration from accidents).
    • Polycystic kidney disease (if symptomatic, e.g., pain, infection).
  • Transplant:
    • Living donor nephrectomy (healthy kidney donated; usually left kidney due to longer vein).
  • Associated treatments:
    • Lymph node dissection for cancer staging.
    • Adjuvant therapy (e.g., immunotherapy like pembrolizumab) for advanced RCC.
  • Timing:
    • Performed in adults (average age 50–70 years for RCC); urgency depends on diagnosis (e.g., immediate for trauma).

The procedure aims to remove diseased tissue, preserve renal function (if partial), or facilitate transplantation, often using minimally invasive approaches to reduce recovery time.

Why Do Nephrectomy Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Nephrectomy Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Assessment:
      • Imaging: CT/MRI to assess tumor size, location, and spread; renal vein involvement checked for RCC.
      • Blood tests: Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR); blood sugar, clotting profile.
      • Split renal function test (e.g., DMSA scan): Ensures remaining kidney function (must be >50% of total).
    • Preparation: Optimize kidney function; for donors, ensure compatibility (blood type, HLA matching).
    • Consent: Risks, including kidney function decline, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Nephrectomy:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 2–4 hours.
      • Types:
        • Radical nephrectomy: Removes entire kidney, adrenal gland (if involved), and surrounding tissue; for RCC.
        • Partial nephrectomy: Removes tumor and margin (1 cm); preserves kidney; for small tumors (<4–7 cm) or solitary kidney.
        • Simple nephrectomy: Removes kidney only; for benign conditions.
      • Approaches:
        • Open nephrectomy: Large incision (10–20 cm) in flank or abdomen; for large tumors or trauma.
        • Laparoscopic nephrectomy: 3–4 small incisions (5–10 mm); camera and instruments used; for cancer or donors.
        • Robotic nephrectomy: Similar to laparoscopic but with robotic assistance; often for partial nephrectomy.
      • Process:
        • Kidney isolated; renal artery and vein clamped and divided.
        • Tumor/kidney removed; in partial, kidney repaired (ischemia time <30 minutes to preserve function).
        • Lymph nodes sampled (for RCC staging); adrenal gland spared unless involved.
      • Closure: Sutures for laparoscopic; sutures/staples for open; drain placed to prevent fluid buildup.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Laparoscope: Visualizes kidney.
      • Endoscopic clips: Secures vessels.
      • Intraoperative ultrasound: Guides partial nephrectomy.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 2–4 days (laparoscopic); 4–7 days (open).
    • Care: Monitor kidney function (creatinine); drain removed in 2–4 days; hydration to support remaining kidney.
    • Pain management: Moderate pain for 3–5 days; managed with painkillers (e.g., paracetamol).
    • Instructions: Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks; monitor blood pressure (remaining kidney compensates).

Recovery After Nephrectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: 2–4 days (laparoscopic); 4–7 days (open).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Moderate pain for 3–5 days; swelling resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 6–8 weeks; light activities in 1–2 weeks.
    • Incision: Laparoscopic scars (small, 5–10 mm) fade in 3–6 months; open scar (10–20 cm) fades in 6–12 months.
    • Kidney function: Remaining kidney compensates within weeks; creatinine stabilizes in 1–2 months.
    • Diet: Hydrate well; low-sodium diet to reduce kidney strain; avoid NSAIDs long-term.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (check healing), 1 month, and every 3 months for 2 years (cancer recurrence risk).
    • Imaging: CT at 3–6 months for RCC; kidney function tests (creatinine, eGFR) annually.

Most resume normal activities in 3–4 weeks (laparoscopic) or 4–6 weeks (open); full recovery takes 6–8 weeks. Success rate: 5-year survival for localized RCC is 90–95%; 60–70% for stage III with adjuvant therapy.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Hematoma near site; may need transfusion.
    • Infection (2–5%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Urine leak (1–3%, partial): From kidney repair site; may need stent or drainage.
    • Kidney function decline (5–10%): Remaining kidney may struggle (e.g., if pre-existing disease); dialysis rare (<1%).
    • Injury to nearby organs (1–2%): Spleen, bowel; rare with experienced surgeons.
    • Seroma (1–3%): Fluid collection; may need aspiration.
  • Long-Term:
    • Recurrence (10–20%, RCC): Cancer return; needs regular imaging.
    • Hypertension (5–10%): From kidney loss; managed with medication.

Report fever, severe pain, decreased urine output, or swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for nephrectomy?

Kidney cancer (RCC), non-functioning kidney (e.g., infection, stones), trauma, or living donor transplant.

Can I avoid nephrectomy?

Yes, if small RCC: Ablation (e.g., RFA) or active surveillance; surgery needed for larger tumors, non-functioning kidneys, or donation.

Is nephrectomy painful?

Moderate pain for 3–5 days, managed with medication; resolves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 6–8 weeks; avoid strenuous activity for 6–8 weeks.

Is nephrectomy covered by insurance in India?

Often covered (medical necessity); confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, decreased urine output, or swelling.

Can I live with one kidney?

Yes: 90–95% lead normal lives; remaining kidney compensates; monitor function long-term.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Stay hydrated, follow low-sodium diet, avoid kidney strain (e.g., NSAIDs), and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Nephrectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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