Nephroureterectomy

Nephroureterectomy: surgery to remove the kidney and ureter

Nephroureterectomy, or nephroureterectomy in English, is a surgical procedure aimed at completely removing the kidney and ureter. It is widely used in the treatment of certain diseases of the urinary system, such as cancer of the kidney or ureter, and in cases of severe injury or infection of the ureter.

The term nephroureterectomy comes from the Greek word ureter (ureter) and the Latin prefix nephro- (kidney) and suffix -ectomy (removal). He accurately describes the essence of the operation, which involves removing the kidney and ureter.

Nephroureterectomy is performed in various clinical situations. One of the most common uses of this procedure is to treat cancer of the kidney or ureter. If a malignant tumor is diagnosed in these organs, nephroureterectomy may be recommended in order to completely remove the tumor process and prevent its spread to other parts of the urinary system.

Nephroureterectomy may also be necessary in cases of severe ureteral injury caused by trauma or other factors. If the ureter cannot be repaired or its function is severely impaired, removal of the kidney and ureter may be necessary to maintain normal urination and prevent complications.

The nephroureterectomy procedure can be performed in a variety of ways, including open surgery, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery. Depending on the specific situation and the surgeon’s preferences, the most appropriate access method and organ removal technique is selected.

After nephroureterectomy, patients usually need some time to recover. Medical support and rehabilitation interventions may include pain control, wound care, physical therapy, and dietary and lifestyle counseling. Postoperative observation and regular follow-up examinations help identify possible complications and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

In conclusion, nephroureterectomy is a surgical procedure that plays an important role in the treatment of kidney or ureteral cancer and in cases of severe ureteral injury or infection. It allows the removal of affected organs, helping to improve the health of patients and prevent the spread of the disease. A comprehensive approach to nephroureterectomy, including the correct choice of access method and organ removal technique, as well as high-quality postoperative rehabilitation, is an important aspect of the successful outcome of the procedure.

However, nephroureterectomy is not without potential complications. Like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, scar tissue, and other complications. Patients should discuss the possible risks and benefits of nephroureterectomy with their doctor before deciding to have surgery.

In general, nephroureterectomy is an important surgical procedure used in the treatment of kidney and ureteral cancer, as well as in cases of severe ureteral injury. Modern methods and approaches to this operation make it possible to achieve good clinical results and improve the quality of life of patients in need of such intervention.



A nephroureterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the kidneys and ureters are removed. It can be performed either as an independent intervention or in combination with other operations on the organs of the urinary system.

Indications for nephroureterectomy may vary. For example, this could be kidney or ureter cancer, kidney or bladder stones, urinary tract stricture, urinary tract infection, urinary tract injury, etc.

Before the operation, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient, including ultrasound, computed tomography, MRI, angiography, blood and urine tests.

The operation itself is performed through an incision in the abdominal wall or back. The kidney and ureter are removed along with adjacent tissues and vessels. The surgeon then places drains to remove fluid from the wound and applies stitches.

After the operation, the patient remains in the hospital from several days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the condition and general health. During this time, he receives treatment with antibiotics, painkillers and other medications as prescribed by the doctor.

Overall, nephroureterectomy is a major operation that can have serious consequences for the patient's health. Therefore, it should be carried out only in cases where other treatment methods are ineffective or impossible.