Kidney | Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Description of Procedure

This is an operation where your urologist removes one of your kidneys (often done for cancer) using scope instruments rather than a larger open incision. A small incision is made at the end of the case to extract the kidney intact, where it is then sent to the pathologist for microscopic analysis.

After Procedure

If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us.

What to Expect

  • May experience pain or discomfort around incision sites especially with coughing or sitting up.

  • You may feel tired and need to nap during the day.

Cautions

Report any of the following to your doctor:

  • Redness, foul-smelling drainage or separation of incision site.

  • Fever over 38.5 C.

  • Severe pain unrelieved by medication.

  • Leg pain or swelling.

  • Nausea or vomiting which persists.

Diet

  • Advance to usual diet as tolerated.

  • Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.

Activity

  • Get up and about as soon as possible after surgery.

  • Walk as tolerated.

  • Avoid lifting more than 20 lbs for 6 wks.

  • Avoid pressure on your incisions.

  • You may start showering 24-36 hrs after surgery. Avoid water stream directly on incisions by applying clear plastic wrap over them when showering. You may sponge bathe. Do not submerge in a tub bath for 3-4 weeks.

Medications

  • Use prescription pain medication as needed.

  • Do not apply ointments or creams to incisions until the steristrips have been removed. You may then apply polysporin or other antibiotic ointment 2-3 times per day until healed.

  • Take a stool softener (obtain over the counter at local pharmacy) starting the night of your surgery. Stop taking stool softeners once having soft bowel movements. Do not take stool softeners if diarrhea occurs.

  • If you have not had a bowel movement by the 3rd day after your surgery, take a laxative (obtain at your local pharmacy over the counter).

  • You may begin your regular medications when you leave the hospital unless instructed otherwise.

  • If you take bloodthinners (ASA, plavix, warfarin), your doctor will advise when you can start them again.

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