About Kidney Cancer
Key Highlights
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Curative treatment for localized kidney cancer, offering the best chance for a cure.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in cancer biology and complex anatomy.Minimally invasive options (laparoscopic/robotic) reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.Aims to preserve healthy kidney tissue (partial nephrectomy) to maintain renal function.Provides definitive tissue for pathology analysis, confirming diagnosis and guiding further treatment.Can effectively relieve cancer-related symptoms like pain or bleeding./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a solid renal mass suspicious for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Localized kidney cancer (Stages I, II, and select Stage III) confined to the kidney.
- Tumors that are growing or causing symptoms like pain or hematuria (blood in urine).
- As part of a multimodal treatment plan for more advanced cancers.
- Patients with a reasonable life expectancy and fitness for major surgery.
- Failure or unsuitability of other treatments like ablation therapy or active surveillance.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT/MRI), and sometimes a biopsy.
- Assessment of overall health, heart, and lung function to ensure surgical safety.
- Discussion of anesthesia options and potential risks with the anesthesiologist.
- Medication review; may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) days before.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 8-12 hours prior to the surgery.
- Bowel preparation may be required for some laparoscopic procedures.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anesthesia reactions.
- Damage to nearby organs (intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas) or major blood vessels.
- Reduced kidney function, especially if a large portion is removed or the other kidney is weak.
- Urine leakage from the remaining kidney tissue (urinary fistula).
- Hernia at the surgical incision site.
- Rare risk of cancer recurrence in the surgical area or elsewhere in the body.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves pain management, monitoring kidney function, and encouraging mobility.
- A urinary catheter drains the bladder for 1-2 days post-surgery.
- Diet progresses from liquids to solid foods as bowel function returns.
- Incision care instructions will be provided; keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks to allow internal healing.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor recovery, kidney function, and check for recurrence.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering kidney cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform kidney cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for kidney cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Emma Brown, a 58-year-old elementary school...
Emma Brown, a 58-year-old elementary school librarian, had always been healthy until she noticed persistent fatigue and occasional blood in her urine. A CT scan ordered by her primary care physician revealed a 4.5 cm mass on her left kidney. She was referred to a surgical oncologist, Dr. Chen, who diagnosed her with stage I renal cell carcinoma. Dr. Chen recommended a partial nephrectomy, explaining it would remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy kidney function as possible. Emma underwent a successful robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Her recovery involved a few days in the hospital managing pain and learning to move safely, followed by six weeks of rest at home. Follow-up scans showed no evidence of cancer, and her kidney function remained excellent. Emotionally, Emma was terrified upon diagnosis, fearing for her future and her ability to return to the children at her library. Post-recovery, she felt profound gratitude and a renewed zest for life, though she still experiences anxiety before each follow-up scan.
Surgical Oncologists for Kidney Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform kidney cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore