Item Number: 36519

Why is it done?

  • A symptomatic non-functioning kidney
  • Pyonephrosis
  • Infection
  • Causing discomfort
  • The risk for post-operative dialysis will have been discussed prior to your surgery by means a referral; to a Nephrologist.
Very Important!!

The correct side for surgery should be checked :

CT scan present
Your approval
Prior to anaesthesia being commenced

 

How is it done?

  • Patients will receive a general anaesthesia, unless contra-indicated.
  • Prophylactic antibiotics is given.
  • An indwelling catheter is placed.
  • The correct kidney is identified and marked while you are awake
  • Depending on the side of non-functioning kidney 3-4 incisions will be made:
  1. 1 for the hand-port of approximately 8cm depending on the amount of  subcutaneous  fat present
  2. 1 for the camera-port
  3. 1 for the working-port
  4. (1 for the liver retractor on the right)
  • The colon is reflected to reveal the retroperitoneal space
  • The ureter is identified and cleared up to the hilum
  • The arteries are identified and tied off and cut first. More than 1 can be present
  • Then the vein/ veins are tied and cut.

The rest of the kidney is mobilized with its surrounding fat and removed

Complications

Side–effects

  • Minimal Blood loss
  • Wound Infection.
  • Post-operative hernia formations especially associated with the elderly with atrophic abdominal muscles
  • Prolonged hospital stay due to impaired renal function recovery.
  • Dialysis as discussed by your Nephrologist, if pre-operatively indicated

NB! Each person is unique and for this reason, symptoms vary

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Copyright 2019 Dr Jo Schoeman