Open nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a diseased kidney or kidneys from the body using an open surgical method. This operation is generally performed in cases of kidney failure, kidney cancer, severe kidney damage, or irreversible impairment of kidney function.
A single healthy, functioning kidney is generally sufficient to sustain life. Therefore, in patients with damage to one kidney, the diseased kidney can be removed, and the patient can continue to live with their remaining healthy kidney. However, if both kidneys lose their function, a kidney transplant may be necessary after the diseased kidneys are removed. Transplantation is performed with a healthy kidney obtained from a suitable cadaveric donor or a compatible living donor. Open nephrectomy is an important surgical procedure that enables the removal of kidneys from the body.