Which specialist performs kidney removal surgery?

A urologist specialises in the urinary system and the organs that make and carry urine. For a nephrectomy, the surgeon reviews scans, biopsy information when available, kidney function, and your general health before recommending an approach. Surgery may remove part of a kidney or the whole kidney, and nearby tissue or lymph nodes may be considered when clinically appropriate. Anaesthetists, nurses, pathologists, radiologists, and oncology specialists may contribute to care.

Bring a current medicine list and tell the team about blood thinners, allergies, previous abdominal surgery, and kidney or heart conditions. Ask whether the planned operation is open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted, and what recovery at home involves. After surgery, follow instructions about movement, wound care, hydration, medicines, and follow-up blood or imaging tests. Your remaining kidney function will be monitored when relevant.

After surgery, obtain urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or sudden confusion. Contact the surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal or flank pain, repeated vomiting, a wound that becomes increasingly red or drains pus, or a marked reduction in urine. Early assessment helps the team identify complications and protect kidney function.

Ask why partial or total removal is being considered, how the operation may affect kidney function, which surgeon will perform it, and how pathology results will influence the next step.