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Open nephrectomy is a surgical method used in the treatment of kidney diseases, and it primarily involves two main types: Open Partial (Segmental) Nephrectomy and Open Radical Nephrectomy.
1. Open Partial (Segmental) Nephrectomy:
This operation generally aims to preserve the healthy part of the kidney by removing cancerous tissue in cases of kidney cancer. The surgeon accesses the tumorous area through an incision made in the abdominal wall. During the procedure, kidney blood vessels are temporarily clamped to control blood flow to the kidney. After the cancerous tissue is removed, these vessels are reopened to restore blood flow to the kidney. Considering the size and characteristics of the tumor, the operation usually lasts 1 to 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
2. Open Radical Nephrectomy:
In situations such as advanced kidney cancer or severe damage to the kidney, the entire kidney may need to be removed. This procedure is called radical nephrectomy. It is particularly preferred in cases where the spread of cancerous tissue cannot be adequately controlled by removing only a part of the kidney. After radical nephrectomy, the health of the other kidney is critically important. If the other kidney also has disease, damage, or a risk of cancer spread, or if it is not functional, both kidneys may need to be removed; in this case, the patient will require a kidney transplant. Untreated kidney tumors can grow, damage other organs, and lead to various serious health problems. In situations requiring a kidney transplant, the removal of the recipient's diseased kidney (nephrectomy) can also be part of the transplantation process. Open radical nephrectomy is also performed under general anesthesia.
How is open nephrectomy performed?
1. Open Partial (Segmental) Nephrectomy:
This operation generally aims to preserve the healthy part of the kidney by removing cancerous tissue in cases of kidney cancer. The surgeon accesses the tumorous area through an incision made in the abdominal wall. During the procedure, kidney blood vessels are temporarily clamped to control blood flow to the kidney. After the cancerous tissue is removed, these vessels are reopened to restore blood flow to the kidney. Considering the size and characteristics of the tumor, the operation usually lasts 1 to 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
2. Open Radical Nephrectomy:
In situations such as advanced kidney cancer or severe damage to the kidney, the entire kidney may need to be removed. This procedure is called radical nephrectomy. It is particularly preferred in cases where the spread of cancerous tissue cannot be adequately controlled by removing only a part of the kidney. After radical nephrectomy, the health of the other kidney is critically important. If the other kidney also has disease, damage, or a risk of cancer spread, or if it is not functional, both kidneys may need to be removed; in this case, the patient will require a kidney transplant. Untreated kidney tumors can grow, damage other organs, and lead to various serious health problems. In situations requiring a kidney transplant, the removal of the recipient's diseased kidney (nephrectomy) can also be part of the transplantation process. Open radical nephrectomy is also performed under general anesthesia.