Post Kidney Removal Care

Getting a part of your body removed because of the harm that it can cause to other faculties of your body, is a huge decision to make. If not done in the right way, the recovery procedure can be very challenging

Nephrectomy is the surgical process of  kidney removal, owing to several reasons, like cancer of the tissue, high blood pressure, or chronic kidney disease.

Depending on the process of kidney removal, they can be classified into radical or complete nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy. When one undergoes a radical nephrectomy, the entire kidney is removed along with some surrounding tissues. Whereas in the case of partial nephrectomy, only the diseased part of the kidney is removed.

Even though, nephrectomy is considered a safe procedure, like any other medical surgery there are some associated risks with the process. Bleeding, infections of the wound, injury to nearby organs, are some of the short-term complications that can arise from this procedure.

With the increasing severity of the condition and the complication of the operation, the patient might take time of up to six weeks to recover post-surgery.

Following up with the doctor is very important after the surgery: the doctor will talk to you about the success of your surgery, the diet you have to stick to, and any follow-up treatment you have to take up.

Things to do post the surgery:

• Ensure that there is someone to drive you back home post the surgery.
• Lifting any weight during this period should be strictly avoided.
• Exercises, particularly anything that is strenuous and heavy and makes you fall short of breath or strain, should be completely avoided.
• It is ok to take short walks and use the stairs.
• You can do light chores but make sure that you consult your doctor.

How to manage the pain:

• Medicines to manage pain will be provided to you by the practitioner.
• As the tablets for pain can also cause constipation, have plenty of water and maintain normal bowel movement.
• Don't restrict yourself to your bed as immobility may also cause pain, move around a little, it may help reduce the pain.
• To treat the surgical area with a sandwich bag full of ice, covered in a cloth to reduce the swelling and discomfort of the area. It is not advisable to apply ice to the area directly.
• Put a pillow over your wound while there is coughing or sneezing to reduce the discomfort of the wound.

Aftercare and recovery

Your healthcare team will observe your blood pressure, electrolytes and fluid balance, to identify the kidney function post the surgery. They will use a urinary catheter to drain urine out of your bladder during the recovery period.

Diet after surgery

The doctor will ask you to stick to clear liquids alone for consumption immediately after surgery. Slowly and over time you can pass to a regular diet.

Fatigue

Tiredness associated with the operation will settle down after few weeks of the surgery.

Showering

You can shower after coming back from the hospital but the wounds must be padded dry after the shower. Doctors do not recommend tub baths for the first two weeks. Adhesive strips across the incision will fall off on their own after five to seven days. The sutures from the surgery will also dissolve after four to six weeks.

Kidney function blood tests and X-rays

Post surgery, it is advisable to perform a serum creatinine test annually for monitoring the overall kidney function.

With some lifestyle changes and a physical regime, you will return to your normal health in a very short time

Most of the post-surgery complications can be avoided if you get treated at reputed clinics like Apollo Spectra. Book an appointment now.