Cytoreductive nephrectomy

Cytoreductive nephrectomy is a surgery to remove a kidney that has cancer, even when the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. The goal is not to cure the cancer, but to remove as much of the tumour as possible. This can help with symptoms, slow down the cancer, or make other treatments work better.

Talk to your doctor to see if this is the right choice for you based on your health and how far the cancer has spread.

How it’s done

• You will be asleep during the surgery with general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel anything. 
• Depending on where the tumour is and how big it is, you will lie on your side or back during the procedure. 
• Cytoreductive nephrectomy is normally done as an open surgery, which means that the doctor makes a single cut (incision) to get to your kidney. 
• First, the doctor will check the size of the tumour and see if it has spread to nearby tissues or organs.
• To remove the kidney safely and keep cancer cells from spreading, the doctor keeps it covered with your kidney’s natural fat layer. They then carefully cut the tubes attached to the kidney before taking it out. 

What happens after the surgery?

• You’ll likely stay in the hospital for several days to heal.
• You might feel sore, but the hospital team will give you medicine to help with the pain.
• You’ll need to rest, but it’s important to start moving around a little, like walking short distances, to help your body heal.
• Most people get back to their usual activities in about 1 to 2 months, but it depends on how you’re healing.
• Your doctor will check on the health of your remaining kidney

What are the side effects?

• It’s normal to feel very tired as your body heals.
• You might feel some pain or soreness in the treated area, but pain medicine can help.
• You might have some swelling around the treated area.
• Any surgery can lead to infection. Watch the area where you had surgery for redness, swelling, or fluid coming out, and tell your doctor if you notice any signs of infection.

What’s the difference between a radical nephrectomy and a cytoreductive nephrectomy?

The main difference between radical nephrectomy and cytoreductive nephrectomy is the reason for the surgery and the type of cancer that is being treated.

Radical nephrectomy removes the kidney to try to cure the cancer, while the goal of cytoreductive nephrectomy is not to cure the cancer but to remove as much of it as possible. This can help other treatments work better when the cancer has already spread.

The information provided here is general and may vary based on where you live. You may want to ask your doctor for advice that's specific to your situation. 

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

• What is cytoreductive therapy, and how will it help me?
• What side effects might I have from this therapy?
• How long will I need to be on this treatment?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Are there any risks or problems I should watch out for?
• Will this treatment affect my daily life? Can I still do normal activities?
• What other treatments can I try if this one doesn’t work or has too many side effects?
• How can I manage or lessen side effects from this therapy?
• Do I need to change my diet or exercise while on this treatment?
• How often will I need check-ups after treatment?

These questions can help you understand your treatment and feel more prepared.

This chapter contains general information about cytoreductive nephrectomy for kidney cancer. If you have any specific questions about your own medical situation you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.

Last updated: February 2025