Nephrectomy in Tunisia is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of a kidney, or both.
It is used to treat various conditions such as tumours, infections, and partial or total destruction of the organ.
Nephrectomy can be performed via open surgery or laparoscopy.
A partial nephrectomy involves removing part of an organ; a radical bilateral nephrectomy generally involves removing both kidneys when they are damaged; and a partial bilateral nephrectomy involves removing part of each kidney when they are damaged.
Renal tumours are an abnormal growth of cells and are often benign, although some can be cancerous. They can also be caused by genetic disorders or infections. Renal tumours can occur at any age but are most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 50 to 70.
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RENAL TUMOURS:
Renal tumours can be either solid masses or cysts. In solid masses, cancerous cells grow into a solid mass within the kidney. Cysts are usually filled with fluid or semi-solid material.
Tumours can originate in any part of the kidney and affect any kidney region; however, tumours that originate in the renal pelvis tend to cause more issues than those arising in other parts of the kidney. The size of the tumour is another crucial factor, as smaller tumours generally cause fewer problems than larger ones.
Most renal tumours do not produce symptoms until they are quite large or have spread to distant sites in the body. For instance, small papillary cell carcinomas located inside a kidney often show no symptoms and may never cause problems.
Serious complications of renal tumours include obstruction of the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) and obstruction of the bladder.
The following imaging tests may be used to plan the surgical procedure:
Computed tomography (CT) – CT scans produce detailed images of the kidneys, ureters (the tubes that carry urine from each kidney), bladder, and prostate. CT scans are particularly useful for identifying kidney stones or tumours in one or both kidneys.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – MRI produces detailed images of soft tissues and bones. MRI uses radio waves instead of X-rays and does not involve radiation exposure like CT scans. MRIs can be very useful for identifying tumours or masses inside the body.
An abdominal and pelvic CT scan is used to assess the adrenal glands, kidneys, and urinary tract. This test helps determine if there are signs of cancer in these areas.
After the operation, you will be taken to your room in a clinic. You may need to stay for a few days or longer, depending on your personal situation.
You will be given instructions on how often and when to take your pain medication. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections.
You might have a catheter (a tube placed in your urinary tract) for a few days after the operation until your bladder recovers from the trauma of surgery. This tube will be removed once you are able to urinate normally.
Nephrectomy in Tunisia can sometimes lead to the formation of blood clots in the legs, which may travel through the bloodstream and lodge in other organs, such as the lungs. To prevent this complication, you may need to wear graduated compression stockings (GCS) after the operation, especially during long flights or car journeys where movement is restricted. These stockings help to prevent blood clots in the legs while they recover from the trauma of surgery.
Avoid strenuous physical exercise or heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks after a nephrectomy, as this can slow down your recovery process and increase the risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or blood clots forming at the incision site or around an artery or vein in the abdominal area.
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F.A.Q
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a laparoscope (a tiny camera on a flexible tube) is inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall. The laparoscope is connected to a video monitor and illuminated by an external light source, allowing the surgeon to see inside the abdomen.
Laparoscopic surgery is often used to examine organs or remove small pieces of tissue, such as polyps, within the body. It can also be used to treat certain diseases or conditions by removing diseased tissue or inserting tubes to drain fluid from an area.
Bladder diseases are conditions that affect the bladder. The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine and expels it through an outlet called the urethra. Bladder disorders can be caused by infections, blockages, or injuries.
Infections, such as urinary tract infections, can cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder wall. A blockage may occur if an object becomes lodged in the urethra. Bladder injuries can result from trauma or surgery, particularly around the urethra, which connects the bladder to the outside of the body.
Symptoms of bladder problems include:
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary urgency: a sudden, intense need to urinate
- Urinary frequency: the need to urinate frequently throughout the day and night.
