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Partial nephrectomy

Partial nephrectomy is a surgery where only the part of the kidney with cancer is removed, leaving the healthy part of the kidney intact. This procedure helps preserve kidney function.

Illustration of a partial nephrectomy, a surgical procedure removing part of the kidney
In partial nephrectomy the tumour is removed while keeping as much of the healthy kidney as possible.
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Illustration of a kidney with a JJ stent in place, no stones present, related to kidney cancer
A small tube called a double-J stent is placed from the kidney, through the ureter and into the bladder, to make sure urine can flow properly.
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Illustration showing laparoscopic surgical procedure to treat urinary incontinence
In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor uses small cuts in the abdomen to insert the surgical instruments.
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Sometimes, a surgical robot is used to assist with laparoscopic surgery. Watch this video to see what a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy looks like.

Last updated: February 2025