Radical Nephrectomy in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is radical nephrectomy?
Radical nephrectomy is the removal of the whole kidney as a single block with its protective envelope of fat and the thin layer of tissue around that fat, called Gerota's fascia. Taking the kidney inside its unopened envelope gives the surgeon the widest possible clearance around the tumour. Depending on the tumour, the adrenal gland that sits on top of the kidney and nearby lymph nodes may be removed as well.
The word "radical" describes how much tissue is removed and says nothing about how the operation is done. Radical nephrectomy can be performed through one open incision or laparoscopically through several small cuts, as described on the laparoscopic urology page.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, radical nephrectomy is one of the surgical options set out on the kidney cancer treatment page. The main thing that sets it apart for you is what comes afterwards: a lifetime with one kidney, which works well for most people with a few sensible habits.
Who needs it
Radical nephrectomy is recommended when the tumour is large, sits deep in the centre of the kidney near the main blood vessels and drainage system, has grown into the kidney's vein, or has replaced so much of the kidney that little useful tissue would remain. It is also used when a kidney has stopped working because of a tumour.
For smaller tumours the first choice is often to keep the kidney and remove only the tumour, described on the partial nephrectomy page. The decision rests on the size and position of the tumour, how well the other kidney works, and your general health. Before recommending radical nephrectomy, your urologist confirms that the other kidney is healthy, and the decision is made with you.
What happens
Before surgery a CT or MRI scan shows the tumour, its blood vessels and whether it reaches the kidney's vein. Blood tests measure your overall kidney function, and some people have a kidney function scan that shows how much work each kidney is doing.
Radical nephrectomy is done under general anaesthesia with you lying on your side. The surgeon first finds and seals the kidney's artery and then its vein, so the tumour's blood supply is controlled before the kidney is moved. The ureter is tied and divided, and the kidney is freed within its fat envelope. In laparoscopic surgery the kidney is placed in a bag inside the body and lifted out through one slightly lengthened cut. The whole specimen goes to the laboratory.
After surgery you are encouraged to sit out and walk early. A urinary catheter measures your urine output closely at first, because this shows how well the remaining kidney is taking over.
Preparing for it
A pre-operative assessment checks your heart, lungs, blood count and kidney function. Bring your full medicine list, because blood thinners, diabetes medicines and some blood pressure tablets need a plan, and you receive fasting instructions for the day.
Use the weeks before surgery to build fitness with daily walks and to stop smoking, which also lowers kidney cancer risk. Arrange a lift home and help at home for the first weeks. If surgery falls near Ramadan, raise it early so fasting, fluids and medicines can be planned together.
Afterwards
Walk a little more each day, avoid heavy lifting and straining, and keep the wound clean and dry. Your urologist gives you a personal timeline for driving and returning to work, planned around whether your job is desk-based, driving or manual.
Once the wound has healed, a few long-term habits protect your single kidney:
- Drink enough water to keep your urine pale, and more in the Sharjah heat and during outdoor work.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking anti-inflammatory painkillers, which can strain the kidney.
- Tell every doctor, dentist and radiographer that you have one kidney, particularly before scans that use contrast dye.
- Have your blood pressure and a urine test checked regularly.
- Discuss contact sports and heavy combat training with your urologist.
Follow-up at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah includes kidney function blood tests and scheduled scans to check the remaining kidney and the operated side.
Contact the hospital urgently if your urine output falls noticeably, if the wound becomes red, swollen or leaks, or if you develop a fever. **Go to the emergency department straight away for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, a painful swollen calf, or severe abdominal pain with swelling.**
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans cover radical nephrectomy as cancer surgery, with pre-approval required, supported by the CT or MRI report. The hospital stay, histology, kidney function scan and long-term follow-up imaging may each need approval, and some plans treat annual monitoring separately. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover and start the approval early on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of radical nephrectomy?
Radical nephrectomy carries the risks of major surgery, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, reactions to anaesthesia and, rarely, injury to nearby organs such as the bowel, spleen, liver or pancreas. Over the long term, living with one kidney means a higher chance of reduced kidney function or high blood pressure. Your urologist explains how these risks apply to you.
Can I live a normal life with one kidney?
Most people live a full life with one healthy kidney, which gradually increases its work to make up for the one removed. Regular blood pressure checks, kidney function tests and good hydration help protect it.
Why remove the whole kidney instead of just the tumour?
The whole kidney is removed when the tumour is too large, too close to the main vessels or drainage system, or has grown into the kidney's vein, so that cutting out only the tumour would risk leaving cancer behind or damaging the kidney beyond repair.
Will my adrenal gland be removed?
The adrenal gland on top of the kidney is removed only when the tumour is close to it or scans suggest it is involved. When it is left in place, the adrenal gland keeps making its hormones, and the other adrenal gland can also do this work on its own.
Do I need dialysis after radical nephrectomy?
Dialysis is rarely needed after radical nephrectomy when the other kidney is healthy, because one kidney can filter enough blood. People who already have reduced kidney function are assessed carefully before surgery, and the nephrology team may be involved.
Can I fast in Ramadan with one kidney?
Many people with one healthy kidney can fast after they have fully recovered, but fasting in the Sharjah heat needs care with fluids between iftar and suhoor. Discuss fasting with your doctor each year, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or reduced kidney function.
Will I need treatment after radical nephrectomy?
Many people need only follow-up scans after radical nephrectomy, while some with a higher-risk tumour are offered further treatment with medicines. Your urologist explains the laboratory result and the follow-up plan.
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