Life After a Nephrectomy
A Note on the Term
“Kidney(s)”
Throughout this section of the website, we use kidney(s) to include everyone who has had a nephrectomy:
- One kidney – after a radical nephrectomy (complete removal of one kidney)
- Two kidneys – after a partial nephrectomy (removal of part of one kidney)
Using kidney(s) helps keep the information relevant no matter your situation.
A common treatment for kidney cancer is a nephrectomy, which is surgery to remove a whole or part of a kidney. If you have had a nephrectomy to treat your kidney cancer, you may be thinking, “Now what?”
We understand that this can bring a lot of uncertainty, and while there is a lot of information out there about kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment, it may be harder to find information about life after surgery.
Here you’ll find information about life after a nephrectomy, including physical changes you may have, how to support your mental health, diet and nutrition, follow-up recommendations to monitor your health, and ways to connect with other kidney cancer patients.
Follow-Up Care
After a nephrectomy, you will need to have regular follow-up visits, scans, and tests to monitor your health. Learn general follow-up recommendations.
Physical Changes
After a nephrectomy, you may have some physical changes, some short-term or long-term health problems, and may need to make some changes to your lifestyle.
Diet and Nutrition
Discover how you can keep your remaining kidney(s) healthy through diet and nutrition.
Mental and Emotional Health
After a nephrectomy, you may have a lot of different feelings. All of these feelings are normal. Learn ways to support your mental and emotional health as you enter this new chapter in your life.
Connect with Others
Read. Listen. Share. Mentor. The kidney cancer community is here for you how and when you need them.
Keep Learning
The Kidney Cancer Association provides educational literature for anyone impacted by kidney cancer.