Principles of the procedure
This is performed to completely remove the kidney either for cancer or for a non-functioning kidney. The dissection of the kidney and division of the blood supply is done via 3-4 keyhole incisions. The kidney is then removed via a small incision in the lower abdomen.
Pre-Operative Preparation
You will be admitted on the same day of the procedure. No specific preparation is needed apart from fasting about 6 hours prior to the surgery. You should continue to take your usual medications unless directed otherwise by your Urologist or his anaesthetist. Please inform us if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication.
Expected Post-operative recovery
Following the surgery, you will wake up with a catheter in your bladder. This is generally removed on the 2nd day after the surgery when you are more mobile. You will be somewhat tender from the incision to remove the kidney; this usually subsides greatly after the first 24 hours though you will have very good pain relief over that time. Normal diet is able to be resumed the day following the operation and you will be encouraged to mobilise out of bed, as this speeds up the recovery process. Most patients are able to go home by the 2nd to 4th day after the operation. Normal light activities are able to be resumed from there, just avoiding heavy lifting for about 6 weeks. It is normal to experience reduced levels of energy following major surgery (even laparoscopic) which can sometimes last for a couple of months, though with subsequent return to normality.
Risks – as per your discussion with your Urologist
Bleeding
Infection
Open conversion
Injury to surrounding structures
Recurrence
Hernia
Anaesthetic risks