Polycystic kidney disease treatment with open kidney surgery

In certain conditions, removing the kidney affected with polycystic kidney disease is recommended. Open kidney removal surgery remains among the best methods for urgent cases (e. g. when the affected kidney is massively bleeding due to cyst collapse). Pre-surgical preparations should be made, including lab testing, medical imaging procedures, examination of previous medical history, electrocardiogram (ECG), and some physical tests. In case of urgency, doctors need at least to be sure that the other kidney can successfully perform its function or be aware of possible patient requirements for dialysis. Open kidney surgery requires the patient to take general anesthesia. Surgeons create a cut (in about 60% of cases localized on the patient’s back) to reach the kidney and secure all blood vessels and nerves that reach the organ. Then, surgeons slowly separate the kidney affected by polycystic disease and remove it. When doctors ensure that there are no additional sources of bleeding and no signs of any possible complications, they place stitches and a dressing on top of the wound.