Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.

• Discharge
• Inpatient
• Precare
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is surgery to remove part of your kidney. Surgery will be done through small incisions on your side.

HOW TO PREPARE:

The week before your surgery:

• Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery.
• Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
• You may need blood or urine tests before surgery. You may also need x-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
• You may need to only drink clear liquids, such as apple juice or broth, the day before surgery. You may also need to drink a liquid that cleans out your bowels.

The night before your surgery:

You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.

The day of your surgery:

• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
• Take only the medicines your surgeon told you to take.
• An IV will be put in a vein. You may get liquid or medicine through the IV.
• An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Tell healthcare providers if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

What will happen:

• Your surgeon will make 3 to 5 small incisions on your side. Your abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide to lift the muscles away from your organs. This helps the surgeon see your kidney better.
• Your surgeon will remove the damaged part of your kidney. Your adrenal gland may also be removed. The adrenal gland sits on top of your kidney and produces hormones.
• Your incisions will be closed with stitches or medical glue and covered with bandages.

After your surgery:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you will be able to go home or taken to your hospital room.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

• You have a fever.
• You get a cold or the flu.
• You have questions or concerns about your surgery.

Risks

You may get an infection or bleed more than expected. You may need 1 large incision instead of smaller ones. Nerves, blood vessels, muscles, or organs may be damaged. The carbon dioxide used during surgery may cause shoulder or chest pain for 1 to 2 days after your surgery. The remaining part of your kidney may not work as well as it did before.

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