Nephrectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Nephrectomy?
A urologist, a surgeon who treats the kidneys and the urinary system, performs a nephrectomy. A nephrectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a kidney. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
In a partial nephrectomy, part of one kidney is removed. In a simple nephrectomy, all of one kidney is removed. In a radical nephrectomy, one entire kidney, the fat around it, and the adrenal gland are removed. Nearby lymph nodes are sometimes removed too. Some hospitals and medical centers also use robotic tools for this surgery.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Kidney removal may be recommended for the following reasons.
- Kidney cancer or suspected kidney cancer
- A kidney damaged by infection, kidney stones, or other problems
- Help to control high blood pressure when there are problems with the blood supply to the kidney
- A very bad injury to the kidney that cannot be repaired
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines, supplements, and herbs you take, even ones you bought without a prescription.
- If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions, your surgeon may ask you to see the provider who treats you for them.
- If you smoke, cut back or quit. Smoking can slow healing and raise the risk of blood clots.
- Your surgeon may ask you to stop blood thinners for a short time.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.
- You will most often be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before.
- Follow your surgeon's instructions.
What happens during it
You are asleep and pain-free under general anesthesia. The surgery can take 3 or more hours. The surgeon cuts the ureter and blood vessels away from the kidney. The ureter is the tube that carries urine to the bladder. Then the kidney is removed. In open surgery, the cut can be up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) long. In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes 3 or 4 small cuts in your belly and side. The surgeon uses tiny probes and a camera to do the surgery.
Recovery
You will stay in the hospital for 1 to 7 days, depending on the type of surgery you have. Recovering from kidney removal most often takes around 3 to 6 weeks. You should be able to do most of your regular activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Until you see your surgeon, do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). Contact your surgeon if you have any of the following.
- A temperature above 100.5°F (38°C)
- Wounds that are warm to the touch or have thick yellow, green, or milky drainage
- A belly that swells or hurts
- Not being able to drink or eat
- Not being able to pee
Risks and side effects
Injury to other organs or structures is a risk of this procedure. After one kidney is removed, your other kidney may not work as well for a while. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
A urologist performs a nephrectomy.
Common questions
How long does a nephrectomy take?
The procedure can take 3 or more hours. Laparoscopic surgery may take longer than open kidney removal.
How long is the hospital stay after a nephrectomy?
You will stay in the hospital for 1 to 7 days, depending on the type of surgery you have.
Is recovery faster after laparoscopic kidney removal?
Yes, most people recover faster and feel less pain after laparoscopic surgery than after open surgery.
What happens if only one kidney is left?
After one kidney is removed, your other kidney may not work as well for a while. The outcome is most often good when a single kidney is removed. If both kidneys are removed, or the remaining kidney does not work well enough, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
