MR-guided radiotherapy
HCA Healthcare UK invests £15million to introduce advanced MR-guided radiotherapy with Elekta Unity MR Linac
Private Nephrectomy
- Trusted expertise for benign disease, kidney tumours or cancer
- Rapid access to laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery
- Comprehensive urological care and recovery support
Private nephrectomy at HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you've been told you may need a nephrectomy, we understand that you may feel worried. When you choose HCA UK, you're in safe hands. You'll be cared for by our experienced consultant-led urology team, which specialises in both partial and total nephrectomy, as well as treatment of kidney cancer and damage to the kidney
We offer minimally invasive surgery wherever it's suitable, including keyhole robot-assisted surgery, which can mean smaller incisions, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. We'll take time to assess your tumour and condition, as well your kidney function and your health, so we can tailor a personalised treatment plan that's right for you.
A nephrectomy is a type of surgery that removes all or part of a kidney. Your specialist will recommend the most suitable approach for you, and we'll guide you through every step. There are two main types of nephrectomy: partial nephrectomy and total nephrectomy.
Your consultant can carry out nephrectomy surgery using open surgery or a minimally invasive technique such as a robotic assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. Many patients can also benefit from robotic nephrectomy, which uses the latest technology to support greater precision and control.
Your team will talk you through the best option for you, so you can feel confident about what happens next.
Your specialist may recommend a nephrectomy if you have a condition that affects your kidneys that cannot be safely treated with another approach. While it may be worrying, a nephrectomy is a proven and safe procedure. Your clinical team will explain everything to you, so you know exactly what to expect.
If you suffer from any of the following, your consultant may recommend a nephrectomy:
- Kidney tumour (suspected and confirmed kidney cancer)
- Severe kidney damage from injury or long-term kidney disease
There are two main types of nephrectomy: partial nephrectomy and total nephrectomy.
During a partial nephrectomy, we'll remove only the affected part of the kidney. We'll often recommend this procedure when a tumour is under 4cm in diameter. We'll focus on removing the tumour while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible, so your kidney can continue filtering your blood effectively.
In a total nephrectomy, we will remove the entire affected kidney. Depending on your condition, we'll also remove the adrenal gland and some surrounding tissue.
After a nephrectomy, you may experience some side effects while your body heals. Everyone's recovery is different, and your specialist team will explain what to expect and how we'll support you throughout.
Apart from immediate side effects of surgery such as bleeding, some potential side effects of a nephrectomy which may take longer to recover from include:
Loss of appetite after nephrectomy
You may not feel like eating much at first, especially in the first few days after surgery. Your appetite should gradually return as you recover.
Abdominal pain after nephrectomy
You may feel soreness, tenderness or tightness around your abdomen, particularly near the area where your specialist carried out the procedure. Pain relief can help you stay comfortable as you heal.
Fatigue after nephrectomy
You may feel more tired than usual for a few weeks after surgery, even if you've had a minimally invasive procedure. Rest and a steady return to activity can help you rebuild your strength.
Nerve pain after nephrectomy
You may notice tingling, sharp or burning sensations around the surgical site as the nerves begin to settle and recover. This can improve over time.
If any symptoms feel severe, don't improve on their own or are a cause for concern, it's important to speak to your care team for advice.
Many people live full and active lives after having a kidney removed. In many cases, the remaining kidney function after nephrectomy remains strong, as it can adapt and take on more of the workload over time. Your care team will monitor your kidney health with follow-up appointments and regular blood and urine tests.
Recovery from nephrectomy can take a few weeks, and we'll guide you on when you can return to everyday activities such as driving, work and exercise.
35,000+
outpatient urology visits across HCA UK in 2024
11,000+
urology-specific ultrasounds carried out in 2024
100+
urology consultants to choose from for your care
Next-day appointments
See a leading urologist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 9 hospitals and 4 diagnostic centres in London, Birmingham and Manchester
Your private nephrectomy at HCA UK
What to expect
From the moment you step through the door for your private nephrectomy with us, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible. One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of your time with us.
We're here to support you and provide safe, consistent and collaborative care when you need it.
01
Initial consultation and diagnostic assessment
Your consultant will review your scans and test results, assess your kidney function, and explain their findings. We'll confirm the cause of the problem and discuss your treatment options, including the types of nephrectomy, such as partial and total nephrectomy, and what each procedure involves.
02
Pre-operative assessment and consent
We'll explain how to prepare for nephrectomy surgery, including possible risks and aftercare. As you'll have a general anaesthetic, you won't be able to eat for six hours before surgery. You can drink clear, still water up to three hours before. You'll also have time to ask questions before giving consent.
03
Day of the nephrectomy procedure
On the day of surgery, we'll carry out the procedure under general anaesthetic, so you'll be asleep throughout and will not feel anything. Open surgery involves a cut around the abdomen, while a laparoscopic nephrectomy uses smaller, keyhole-size cuts.
04
Immediate post-op care
You may have to stay in hospital for a few days (although hospital stay is usually two days). This is so we can make sure your remaining kidney function after nephrectomy is stable. Your consultant will explain when you can return to your normal routine. The length of your stay will depend on whether you have a total nephrectomy or a partial nephrectomy and how quickly you recover.
05
Follow-up and monitoring
Before you go home, your care team will give you clear advice on wound care, pain relief and when you can return to your usual daily activities. Your specialist will also discuss your recovery from nephrectomy, any lifestyle changes and answer any questions you have. We'll arrange regular follow-up appointments to monitor your remaining kidney function, blood pressure, urine protein levels and filtration rates.
Our locations
Where can I have a private nephrectomy?
Our leading nephrologists and renal consultants provide expert care for a wide range of kidney conditions. You can access a private nephrectomy across our facilities in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Nephrectomy FAQs
Recovery from nephrectomy can vary from person to person, but most patients will recover within several weeks. Your recovery may feel gradual, and it's common to improve in small steps.
We will explain what to expect at each stage of your recovery, based on the type of nephrectomy you had (partial nephrectomy or total nephrectomy) and your overall health.
Your remaining kidney function after nephrectomy should remain strong. Your care team will closely monitor your kidney function during your follow-up appointments. If you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer them.
Your consultant may recommend different approaches depending on your condition and your overall health. Surgical options can include:
- Robotic assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy
- Laparoscopic nephrectomy
- Open surgery
Your nephrectomy surgery will be performed under general anaesthetic, so you'll be asleep throughout the entire procedure. We will explain how to prepare for your nephrectomy, which may include:
- Fasting instructions, such as no food for 6 hours before surgery
- Only drink still water up to 3 hours before
- What to bring with you for your treatment and stay
You'll have the chance to ask any questions before your nephrectomy, so you know exactly what to expect.
The time it takes to perform nephrectomy surgery depends on the type of nephrectomy, the planned method and the complexity of your case. Your consultant will be able to give you a clear estimate in advance.
Following your nephrectomy surgery, you'll stay in hospital for at least one night, but possibly several, while you recover and we closely monitor you. Once we're satisfied that you can safely return home, we will advise you on wound care and pain relief.
We'll also make sure you have everything you need to aid your recovery at home and talk to you about next steps and follow-up appointments.
Recovery from nephrectomy usually includes rest, gentle movement and gradual return to daily activities. Your clinical team will support you with wound care guidance, pain relief and advice on activity levels.
Follow-up appointments help ensure you're healing as expected. Your recovery journey will be personal to you. If you've had a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, you may find you return to light activities sooner.
Nephrectomy recovery time will be personal to you, but your care team will monitor your recovery through regular follow-up appointments. During these consultations, we may carry out:
- Blood tests to check kidney function
- Urine tests
- Blood pressure checks
- Wound checks and pain review
Your care team will tailor a personalised plan for your recovery and will always be available to answer any questions you have, so you can rest assured you're in safe hands.
After your nephrectomy surgery, your consultant may recommend small lifestyle changes to support kidney health. This may include staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and keeping active.
Managing blood pressure is also important. Your consultant will advise you on changes that feel realistic and easy to maintain.
The number or types of follow-up appointments you'll need will depend on the need for your nephrectomy and the type of nephrectomy you have. Your consultant will discuss your follow-up appointments and arrange any tests or additional scans that may be needed to monitor your recovery.
If your nephrectomy is to treat kidney cancer, your consultant will explain the diagnosis, the aim of surgery and what happens next. In some cases, you may need a radical nephrectomy to fully remove the affected kidney. Your team will talk you through your results and follow-up plan once we've reviewed your pathology.
Your scar depends on the surgical method used. With keyhole surgery, the nephrectomy scar is usually smaller. With open surgery, the scar will be larger. We'll explain what to expect and give you advice on healing, comfort and when you can start gentle scar care.
Our patient stories
“The consultant and anaesthetist were very friendly and clearly explained the operation and any potential risks. All the nurses and physiotherapists were lovely, very patient and helped me recover and be discharged as quickly as possible. Overall, I cannot fault a thing with the quality of care I received.”
Reviewed by
