Important: This page is general education, not personal medical advice.
What is laparoscopic radical nephrectomy?
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney (and surrounding fat, sometimes nearby structures depending on disease extent) through minimally invasive keyhole incisions. It is commonly used when a kidney tumor is too large or complex for kidney-sparing surgery.
Who may be a candidate?
- Localized or locally advanced kidney tumor not suitable for partial nephrectomy
- Tumor size/location where complete kidney removal is safest oncologic option
- Patients healthy enough for laparoscopic surgery and anesthesia
- Cases where surgeon judgment favors radical nephrectomy after full risk/benefit discussion
Goals of surgery
- Complete oncologic removal of the affected kidney/tumor
- Reduce risk of local progression from the known tumor
- Provide definitive pathology for staging and follow-up planning
Risks and trade-offs
- Bleeding, infection, injury to nearby structures, anesthesia-related risk
- Potential need to convert to open surgery in select cases
- Long-term kidney function depends on baseline function and remaining kidney health
- May require additional cancer treatment depending on pathology/staging
Typical recovery timeline
- Hospital stay: often 1–3 days (varies by case and recovery)
- Weeks 1–2: fatigue/soreness gradually improve
- Weeks 2–6: progressive return to activity per surgeon guidance
- Follow-up: pathology review, renal function monitoring, and surveillance imaging plan
Procedure video (real surgical footage)
Real operative footage. Viewer discretion advised.
Source video: YouTube – laparoscopic nephrectomy operative demonstration.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Why is radical nephrectomy recommended instead of partial nephrectomy in my case?
- What is my expected remaining kidney function after surgery?
- What does my pathology and surveillance plan look like afterward?
- What activity restrictions and return-to-work timeline should I expect?