✦ Kidney Cancer Treatment

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy

Q: Will I need one kidney for the rest of my life?

Yes — the remaining kidney typically hypertrophies and compensates; most patients live normal lives with a single kidney. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Q: Is laparoscopic nephrectomy as safe as open for cancer?

Yes — laparoscopic nephrectomy achieves equivalent 5- and 10-year survival rates to open surgery with lower morbidity. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Q: Can I fly after nephrectomy?

Most patients can fly 4–6 weeks after laparoscopic nephrectomy once they are mobile and comfortable. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Minimally Invasive Removal of the Kidney for Renal Cell Carcinoma

90–150 min PROCEDURE

2–3 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>85% 5yr SUCCESS RATE

2–3 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy?

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy is the standard-of-care surgical treatment for localised renal cell carcinoma not amenable to partial nephrectomy. The kidney, adrenal gland (when indicated), Gerota's fascia, and regional lymph nodes are removed through small laparoscopic ports. It achieves equivalent oncological outcomes to open surgery with significantly reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of 2–3 Days. Success rates reach >85% 5-year survival in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.

Patients with localised renal cell carcinoma (T1b–T3) not suitable for partial nephrectomy, or those with large central tumours requiring complete kidney removal. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Port Placement

Three to five ports placed depending on approach (transperitoneal or retroperitoneal).

Colon Mobilisation

The colon is reflected medially by incising the peritoneal attachments to expose the kidney and renal hilum.

Hilar Control

The renal artery and vein are individually dissected, controlled with Hem-o-lok clips, and divided.

Kidney Mobilisation

Gerota's fascia is dissected circumferentially with the perirenal fat intact.

Specimen Retrieval & Closure

The specimen is placed in a retrieval bag and extracted through a 5–7 cm extension of one port site.

Outcomes

90–150 minDURATION

2–3 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>85% 5yrSUCCESS RATE

2–3 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Patients with renal cell carcinoma where the tumour involves the entire kidney making partial nephrectomy unsafe.
→Those with a normally functioning contralateral kidney where complete removal is oncologically appropriate.
→Patients seeking the shortest possible recovery from kidney cancer surgery.
→Those with localised renal cancer in a normal functioning contralateral kidney.
→Patients with locally advanced tumours (T3) involving the renal vein or perinephric fat.
→Anyone where the technical benefits of laparoscopic access — reduced blood loss and faster recovery — are preferred.

"Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has transformed kidney cancer surgery. We achieve excellent cancer control with the precision of minimally invasive surgery — most patients are home within 2–3 days."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Will I need one kidney for the rest of my life?+

Is laparoscopic nephrectomy as safe as open for cancer?+

Can I fly after nephrectomy?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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