When is kidney removal surgery recommended for kidney cancer?

A partial nephrectomy removes the tumour and preserves as much healthy kidney as possible. A radical nephrectomy removes the whole kidney and may include nearby tissue or lymph nodes when needed. The decision considers tumour size, position, growth pattern, involvement of nearby structures, the other kidney, existing kidney disease, and your overall health. Imaging and blood tests help the team judge whether an operation is suitable. Some small or complex tumours may be managed with another local treatment or active monitoring instead.

Bring a list of medicines and supplements, including blood thinners, and mention previous operations, kidney problems, high blood pressure, and allergies. Ask which operation is proposed, how the incision will be made, how kidney function will be monitored, and what recovery may involve. Your team may request urine tests, blood tests, and imaging before surgery. Read more about [Kidney Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/nephrectomy/).

Before surgery, contact a clinician promptly for visible blood in the urine, inability to pass urine, severe flank pain, fever, or persistent vomiting. After surgery, urgent advice is needed for worsening wound redness, drainage, fever, reduced urine, increasing swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness. Emergency help is appropriate for collapse or severe breathing difficulty.

Can the tumour be removed while preserving part of the kidney? What do my scans show about nearby structures? How will the remaining kidney be protected? What medicines should I stop or continue? Which changes after surgery should trigger an urgent call?