A nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney, performed to treat a number of kidney diseases including kidney cancer. It is also done to remove a normal healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor, which is part of a kidney transplant procedure.

Is nephrectomy a major surgery?

A nephrectomy is a major surgery to remove all or part of your kidney. The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs in the abdomen. They filter water and waste products from your blood.

How long is recovery from nephrectomy?

How long does it take to recover from a radical nephrectomy? Full recovery, including the ability to lift and engage in strenuous activities, may take up to six weeks.