Is nephrectomy risky?

Nephrectomy is risky because the kidney takes on a large amount of blood filtration. The flow of blood into and out of the renal vein and artery is relatively large, and the pressure in the renal artery is relatively high. Therefore, during nephrectomy, there is a risk of fatal bleeding, sometimes resulting in hemorrhagic shock and even death. After nephrectomy, the body has only unilateral renal function. After surgery, unilateral renal function may not be able to metabolize water and electrolytes in the whole body, and short-term or long-term renal failure may occur. Some severe patients even need dialysis treatment to assist the body in water and electrolyte metabolism to prevent uremia. After nephrectomy again, duodenal and pancreatic injuries may occur, and intestinal fistula or pancreatic fistula may occur after surgery. Severe patients may undergo secondary surgery for repair, or require prolonged drainage and anti-infection treatment, waiting for their natural recovery.