Nephrectomy (non-functioning kidney)
Removal of a Non-Functioning Hydronephrotic Kidney
What is Nephrectomy (non-functioning kidney)?
Nephrectomy for a non-functioning hydronephrotic kidney removes a kidney that has lost its functional capacity due to longstanding severe obstruction, recurrent infection, or irreversible damage. When obstruction has destroyed renal function beyond recovery (split function <10%), nephrectomy eliminates pain, infection, and hypertension while protecting the contralateral kidney. Performed laparoscopically in most cases. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of 2–4 Days. Success rates reach >98% in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.
How the Procedure Works
Port Placement
Under general anaesthesia in a modified lateral decubitus position, three to four laparoscopic ports placed.
Hilar Dissection
The renal hilum is identified and dissected carefully; the renal artery identified first, dissected free and clipped.
Ureteral Division
The ureter is traced inferiorly from the renal pelvis to the level of the iliac vessels and divided.
Kidney Mobilisation
The kidney is fully mobilised within Gerota's fascia using a combination of sharp and blunt dissection.
Specimen Retrieval
The mobilised kidney is placed in an impermeable retrieval bag and extracted through an enlarged port site.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Patients with split renal function below 10% where repair is not worthwhile.
- →The contralateral healthy kidney undergoes compensatory hypertrophy after nephrectomy.
- →Eliminates chronic source of pain, infection, and renin-mediated hypertension.
- →Laparoscopic approach provides 2–4 day hospital stay and rapid recovery.
- →Specimen extracted in an impermeable bag without morcellation.
- →Most common cause is longstanding UPJ obstruction or severe vesicoureteric reflux.
"Removing a non-functioning hydronephrotic kidney is often the kindest decision. It eliminates a chronic source of pain and infection, and patients consistently report dramatic improvement in wellbeing."
— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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