Nephrectomy Patient Information

Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney because of organ failure or disease or to donate it to someone in need. Whatever the reason for your nephrectomy, it is helpful to know what to expect.

Preparation

• Before your surgery you will undergo tests including blood work, an x-ray of your chest and, in some cases, an EKG. These tests will make sure that you are healthy enough for the surgery. The hospital may ask you to pre-register a few days ahead of your surgery. Your doctor will give you instructions regarding eating and drinking the night before your surgery.

Procedure

• Your surgeon removes the kidney and the adrenal gland that is on top of the kidney, as well as some healthy tissue that borders your kidney. Adjacent lymph nodes also will be removed. The procedure may be done with one incision or the surgeon may do it laparoscopically, where several small incisions are made for instruments and a small video camera, which allows the doctor to watch the operation on a monitor.

Hospital Recovery

• When your procedure is complete, you probably will wake up in the recovery room feeling disoriented. You can expect to have an intravenous line for fluids, and you will be hooked up to monitors for blood pressure and heart rate. Your urinary catheter will still be in place, and you may have drainage tubes from your chest. You may have compression sleeves on your legs to prevent clots from forming. Your fluids will be limited at first, but you may be given ice chips to relieve your dry throat and mouth.

Medications

• Following your surgery you will receive pain medications. Sometimes they are administered through an IV drip that you can control by pressing a button when you feel the need for medication. It does not allow you to overdose, but the equipment can adjust the dosage based on your needs while remaining within appropriate limits. You may receive anti-nausea medications to prevent you from feeling ill from the anesthesia.

Home Recovery

• You will be given a prescription for pain medication to use at home. Follow your dosage instructions carefully to provide evenly spaced medication levels. Expect to need more sleep than normal, which helps your body heal and recover. Drink plenty of water; your doctor will advise you if have any dietary limitations. Your doctor also will give you instructions about when you can resume physical activities and return to work. Be sure to keep your appointment for a follow-up visit.

Considerations

• You can lead a normal life with just one kidney. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you donate a kidney, your remaining kidney eventually will become enlarged due to increased blood flow and filtering additional wastes. However, your overall health outlook should be the same as it is for anyone who has not donated a kidney.