title: [Nephrectomy: complication management].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nephrectomy is a standard procedure that is associated with a low complication rate.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Based on an analysis of the literature, expert recommendations, and our own experience, the management of complications during and after nephrectomy is described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complications during and after nephrectomy can be avoided by careful surgical planning, optimal approach and exposure, and precise knowledge of the principles of anatomy. The treatment of bleeding complications and injuries to neighboring structures are essential elements in the management of complications. Hernia and relaxation of the lumbar muscles should be avoided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Morbidity associated with nephrectomy can be reduced by careful surgical planning and paying attention to the basic anatomical and surgical principles.
authors.affiliation: Urologische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland, sascha.pahernik@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pahernik
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bergsträßer
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Teber
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hohenfellner
mesh_terms: D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors