What can I expect after laparoscopic kidney surgery?

Your belly will feel sore after the surgery. This usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will give you pain medicine for this. You may also have other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or a headache.

How long does laparoscopic kidney removal surgery take?

The Surgery Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy requires that patients undergo a general anesthesia. While operative time varies from one individual to another, the average operating time is approximately 3-4 hours.

How long do you stay in the hospital after laparoscopic kidney removal?

With a laparoscopic nephrectomy, there is reduced postoperative pain and patients are able to get up and move about within a day. They usually stay in the hospital 2-3 days. Many are able to return to work and recreation within two to three weeks. The scarring caused by the surgery is minimal as well.

How long does it take to recover from robotic kidney surgery?

Recovery. Most patients are able to return to full activity within 4-6 weeks compared with 8-12 weeks for open partial nephrectomy.

How do they do laparoscopic kidney removal?

During laparoscopic surgery your physician makes a series of small incisions in your lower abdomen and inserts a tiny tube with a light and a camera (i.e., a laparoscope) to access the kidney. The surgeon navigates and inspects the region on a TV-like monitor that receives images from the camera.

What are the long-term side effects of having a kidney removed?

Although overall kidney function decreases after a nephrectomy, the remaining kidney tissue usually works well enough for a healthy life. Problems that may occur with long-term reduced kidney function include: High blood pressure (hypertension) Chronic kidney disease.

What are the side effects of having a kidney removed?

Risks

Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs.
Breathing problems.
Infection, including in the surgical wound, lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or kidney.
Blood loss.
Heart attack or stroke during surgery.
Reactions to medicines.

What not to eat after having a kidney removed?

Avoid foods with high sodium content: Too much sodium in the diet can cause fluid retention and raise your blood pressure. Seasonings like soy sauce and teriyaki sauce, canned foods, processed meats, snack foods, pizza, hot dogs, pickles, cheese, and even frozen vegetables with sauce are high in sodium.

What can you not do after laparoscopic surgery?

How can you care for yourself at home?

Rest when you feel tired.
Try to walk each day.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain.
You may also have pain in your shoulder.