Principles of the Procedure
This is performed to completely remove usually a larger kidney cancer or in patients who laparoscopic or robotic surgery is not feasible. The cancer is excised from the kidney, preserving the rest of the kidney, to minimise loss of kidney function. The dissection of the kidney and excision of the kidney cancer is performed usually via single incision around the flank. Occasionally it is performed via an incision in the the upper 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 and a drainage tube near the wound. These are generally removed on the 3rd to 4th day after the surgery when you are more mobile. You will have moderate tenderness from the wound from the surgery; this usually subsides greatly after the first 48 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 5th to the 7th 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 which can sometimes last for a couple of months, though with subsequent return to normality.
Risks – as per your discussion with your Urologist
Bleeding (early and delayed)
Infection
Injury to surrounding structures
Recurrence
Hernia
Anaesthetic risks