High blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions may lead to kidney problems. Cancer in one or both kidneys is also responsible for kidney malfunction. 

Patients with such kidney problems may exhibit high fatigue, high blood pressure, pain, weight loss, and blood in the urine. 

In such cases the doctor will carry out a detailed checkup and recommend complete removal of the affected kidney. 

Learn more about radical nephrectomy, which is the medical term used for the removal of one kidney, and why India is the best place for this procedure. 

Symptoms when you may need radical nephrectomy surgery

Patients with damaged or diseased kidney may complain of pain in the sides of the abdomen, weight loss, fatigue, high blood pressure, fever and night sweats, and blood in the urine. 

These symptoms require immediate attention to prevent further damage and to restore health of the patient. 

Diagnosis

Physicians usually resort to blood tests and detailed body check up to start with, and then proceed to getting the patients to undergo MRI, ultrasound, PET scan, or CT scan, to pinpoint cancerous cells or other issues. Based on these reports, the physician may try medications for mild conditions, and if such treatments do not get results, then the only solution is radical nephrectomy or the removal of one kidney that is found to be diseased or damaged. 

Treatment through radical nephrectomy surgery

The patient usually fasts for the night before the operation. The next day the procedure starts with a general anesthesia administered to the patient, or a local anesthetic, depending on whether the surgeon goes in for open surgery or for robot assisted or laparoscopic surgery. 

The tumor size and the patient’s health will decide the method to be used. Thereafter the incisions are sutured, and the patient stays in the hospital for a couple of days for observation and medication. 

In instances where the kidney was found to be affected by cancer and had to be removed, then the patient may have to undergo chemotherapy and targeted therapy. 

This depends on the stage of the cancer and its characteristics. Patients experience pain for which they receive medication. Rest is advised for 15 days to a month and strenuous activity should be avoided to regain normalcy. 

Success rate in radical nephrectomy surgery

If a kidney had to be removed due to cancer, then the success rate depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s health, and response to treatment, as well as the surgeon’s skills. Patients whose kidneys are damaged by accident or trauma stand a better chance of recovery and long term survival. 

Risks in radical nephrectomy surgery

Patients should discuss prognosis and risks with their physician before committing to radical nephrectomy. There are risks such as bleeding and infection of sutures or internally, damage to surrounding organs, fluid accumulation, hernia at the incision site, and increased risk of kidney disease. 

Why India is the best option for radical nephrectomy

• India is the best destination for radical nephrectomy for a variety of reasons: 
• It is the most affordable destination even after accounting for travel costs. Patients from the USA, Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa make a beeline for treatments at Indian hospitals. 
• Indian surgeons are world class and are highly qualified to carry out even complex procedures. 
• India has excellent clinics and specialist kidney hospitals equipped with the latest equipments and manned by qualified specialists and healthcare professionals. 
• Indians have a caring attitude and this attention to a patient’s wellbeing cheers up patients, helping in positive outcomes. 

• Radical nephrectomy procedure demands skills of the highest order and specialization that are available in Indian hospitals. Consider radical nephrectomy in India, and save a bundle as well as your future health and wellbeing.