Nephroureterectomy is a surgical technique to remove the entire kidney, ureter and a portion of the bladder. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is a minimally invasive technique to perform this procedure. It is typically used as a treatment for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the kidney or ureter.
When is nephroureterectomy surgery indicated ?
Nephroureterectomy is the most important treatment used for treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the ureter or kidney. Unlike renal cell carcinoma, TCC forms on the lining of the ureter or drainage system of the urinary tract. Other therapies (radiotherapy or chemotherapy) that preserve the kidney may be undertaken if surgical removal of the entire kidney would lead renal failure or problematic dialysis.
What does nephroureterectomy surgery involve ?
General anesthesia with muscle relaxation is usually required. The operation is usually done through a flank incision. However in a small number of cases when cancer is suspected, depending on where the tumor is, a higher or lower incision may be needed or an incision in the abdomen may be necessary. After the incision is made, the blood supply to the kidney, ureter and bladder is isolated and tied off and the kidney is removed with its involved surrounding structures. The wound is then closed with staples or stitches. A wound drain may be inserted to drain any wound ooze. This is usually stitched in place and stays in for few days. A catheter (drainage tube which drains urine from the bladder) is also put in to monitor the urine output from the remaining kidney. The catheter usually stays in place for one to two days or until you are up and about. If the procedure is laparoscopic, 3 to 5 small incisions (5-12 mm) are placed into the abdomen. A telescopic camera and numerous working instruments are passed in via these “keyholes”. The kidney and upper ureter are then removed laparoscopically. A small incision (approximately 2-3 inches) is then placed in the lower abdomen to assist with removal of the lower ureter, and a portion of the bladder.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery ?
The laparoscopic approach was developed as a less invasive alternative with a quicker recovery and a more favorable cosmetic result when compared to the traditional open surgical approach. Recent studies have shown equivalent results for well selected patients.
What are the complications of the nephroureterectomy surgery ?
Post Operative Pain may be felt after the surgery, but this significantly decreases from the second day onwards. Also medication can be taken for the pain. Nausea may be associated with the anesthesia. The irritation and pain of having a urinary catheter draining your bladder will be there after surgery, but this will be taken out within one to two days unless complications arise. It is not unusual to have blood tinged urine for a few days after your surgery. Diet and movement will have to be regulated after surgery. However the sooner you get up and about, the better it is for you. Fatigue is common even several weeks beyond surgery. This is part of the body’s normal healing process.
How to find and reach urologists for nephroureterectomy surgery ?
Now you can find and reach urologists for nephroureterectomy surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple urologists , get cost estimates for nephroureterectomy surgery from different urology hospitals, compare things and then choose an urologist or a hospital for nephroureterectomy surgery.
Find, reach and choose an urologist for nephroureterectomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
