Procedure prep
Fasting Before a Nephrectomy (Kidney Removal)
A nephrectomy removes all or part of a kidney, most often for a tumor, and sometimes as a living donor. It's done by keyhole or open surgery under general anesthesia. Many people are reassured to learn the body usually copes well with one working kidney.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin need a fasting-day plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take; control matters with kidney surgery.
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) around surgery unless approved — they affect the kidneys.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- A urine infection (treated first)
- A skin infection near the planned incision sites
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A current list of all your medicines, doses, and allergies
- Your CT or MRI scans, kidney-function blood tests and any biopsy results
- A packed bag for a few days' stay and loose, comfortable clothing
- A plan for help at home and a ride for discharge day
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will this be keyhole or open, and full or partial removal?
- How will my remaining kidney function be checked afterward?
- Which of my medicines do I stop or continue, and when do I restart?
- How long is the hospital stay and the recovery at home?
- Are there things I should avoid long-term to protect my other kidney?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live a normal life with one kidney?
Usually yes. A single healthy kidney can take over the work of two, and most people live normally with no special treatment, which is why living kidney donation is possible. Your team checks your remaining kidney's function and will advise on staying well-hydrated and protecting it — for example, being cautious with anti-inflammatory painkillers.
What's the difference between a partial and full nephrectomy?
A partial nephrectomy removes just the tumor and a margin, keeping as much working kidney as possible, while a full (radical) nephrectomy removes the whole kidney. Which is suitable depends on the size and position of the problem. Your surgeon will explain the plan and why it's recommended for you.
Is kidney removal done by keyhole?
Often, yes. Many nephrectomies are done laparoscopically or robotically through small cuts, which usually means less pain and a quicker recovery than open surgery. Larger or more complex tumors may need an open operation. Your surgeon will tell you which approach they plan and why.