An open partial nephrectomy is a surgery in which kidney cancer is removed along with a rim of normal kidney tissue next to it. After the cancer and the rim of normal kidney tissue are removed, the kidney is reconstructed. The goal is to save as much kidney function as possible. This is important because the kidneys are the main filters of the body and they are essential for life. After the tumor and normal tissue are removed from the kidney, they are sent to a laboratory to be tested.

What are the reasons why someone would need an open partial nephrectomy?

• Cancer
• Infection
• Damage from kidney stones
• Injury from trauma
• Congenital abnormalities
• High blood pressure caused by blood supply problems to the kidneys