http://sumj.dundee.ac.uk/data/uploads/volume3issue2/sumjv2i3p.22-31.pdfRenal Function After Unilateral Nephrectomy
Scottish Universities Medical Journal Vol 3 Issue 2: page 22‐31
Hamilton SKD, Stewart GD, McNeill SA,
Riddick ACP & Phelps R (2014). Renal
Function After Unilateral Nephrectomy
Renal Function After Unilateral Nephrectomy
Stephen KD Hamilton (5th year MBChB, University of Edinburgh), Grant D Stewart
(Consultant Urologist, NHS Lothian), Alan McNeill (Consultant Urologist, NHS Lothian),
Antony CP Riddick (Consultant Urologist, NHS Lothian) & Richard Phelps (Consultant
Nephrologist, NHS Lothian)
Correspondence to: Stephen KD Hamilton : stephenkdhamilton@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It is clear that Chronic Kidney Disease (GFR <60mls/min) is associated with
reduced life expectancy, partly due to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. To
consider the implications for the selection of total versus partial unilateral nephrectomy, we
compared retrospectively the renal function of patients undergoing either operation in
Lothian.
METHODS: Details were collated across NHS Lothian for 1165 patients. Blood results pre‐
and post‐nephrectomy could be retrieved for 334 patients (Group 1). Blood results were also
available from at least 6 months post surgery for 194 patients (Group 2). Renal function was
estimated using the Abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula.
RESULTS: Overall within group 1, total/partial nephrectomy patients’ GFR fell by
14.35ml/min/1.73m2
, (95%CI 11.98‐16.72) with post‐nephrectomy GFR <60mls/min in
34.1%. Within group 2, patients’ GFR fell by a mean of 14.09ml/min/1.73m2
, (95%CI 10.93‐
17.24) with new GFR <60mls/min in 36.1%. Comparing partial versus total nephrectomy, the
mean reduction in GFR and occurrence of post‐nephrectomy GFR <60mls/min was
8.13ml/min/1.73m2
, 16.7% and 14.73ml/min/1.73m2
, 35.4% respectively in group 1. The
odds ratio for post‐nephrectomy GFR <60mls/min was 2.7 (95%CI 1.4‐5.3). Group 2 included
too few partial nephrectomy patients for comparison.
CONCLUSION: Smaller reductions of GFR after partial versus total unilateral nephrectomy
are of magnitudes that are significant for overall life expectancy in large cohorts, and
possibly relevant for patients with indications for nephrectomy and longer life expectancy.
Patients who undergo nephrectomy should have their renal function assessed at least 6
months post‐surgery to detect new GFR <60mls/min and trigger appropriate evaluation.