Mayo Clinic's approach
Experience in complex cases
Mayo Clinic is in the forefront of quality care and research for people with complex, large kidney tumors. Mayo Clinic's highly specialized and experienced surgical teams are able to perform complex nephrectomies in circumstances where others have thought the tumor couldn't be removed.
In these complex cases, urologists use a team approach with the most expert medical, surgical, technical and other types of support that modern medicine can offer. This ensures that each person receives the highest quality care and the best outcome.
Kidney-sparing surgery
At Mayo Clinic, urologic surgeons are leaders in kidney-sparing surgery, also called partial nephrectomy. Highly trained and experienced experts can leave as much healthy kidney tissue in place as possible in circumstances that otherwise might cause a person to have very limited kidney function or the need for dialysis.
Urologists use advanced surgical techniques to offer robot-assisted options and open surgery for partial nephrectomy. Mayo Clinic's experience and surgical knowledge leads to excellent outcomes and lowers the risk of complications.
Unparalleled expertise
Nephrectomies at Mayo Clinic are always done by urologic surgeons with specialized training and expertise who do large numbers of these procedures. Pediatric urologists with training and experience working with children also perform nephrectomies.
Innovation and extensive experience
For over 150 years, Mayo Clinic has been a leader in surgical techniques and clinical care of patients who need kidney surgery. Mayo Clinic urologists also know when surgery may not be needed, taking into account patient preferences. In some instances, for example, the recommendation may be active surveillance. This involves observing a person with kidney trouble for a certain amount of time and following up with scans.
Research leader
Mayo Clinic urologists are international leaders in innovation and research on surgical and nonsurgical treatment of kidney tumors. Mayo Clinic researchers have improved the chances of cure, extended life for patients who can't be cured, improved quality of life and minimized the impact of treatment for patients worldwide.
Ongoing clinical trials at Mayo Clinic continue to lead to improved patient outcomes and a higher standard of care.
Expertise and rankings
- Experts in nephrectomy surgery. Mayo Clinic urologic surgeons have expertise in treating all types of kidney tumors, from simple to large complex tumors, as well as advanced cancer that has spread. All Mayo Clinic surgeons who perform nephrectomy have training in urologic cancer treatment, minimally invasive surgery or both. Urologic surgeons help decide when surgery is needed. And they use a team approach to do surgery on complex tumors that may be deemed impossible to remove at other facilities.
- Latest technology. Mayo Clinic urologic surgeons are highly skilled in the latest techniques and technology. This includes minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery, and the most advanced open techniques. Mayo Clinic's surgeons use advanced imaging techniques. They also are experimenting with 3D modeling and other advances to improve surgical precision and surgery outcomes.
- Excellent outcomes. Mayo Clinic offers low nephrectomy complication rates with short hospital stays and the best outcomes for our patients. Mayo's urologic surgeons showed early on that, in appropriately selected cancer cases, partial nephrectomy outcomes can be just as good as radical nephrectomy. Partial nephrectomy preserves kidney function and helps prevent complications.
Nationally recognized expertise
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for urology by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Locations, travel and lodging
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.
For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:
Costs and insurance
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.