Kidney Removal

Hi Jd19801

Welcome to the online community.

I can see you have joined the kidney cancer forum and made friends. I hope your finding it helpful to share your experiences with others.

My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and surgery. I hope you’re recovering well with minimum complications. Please do not hesitate to let your team know if you’re having any post operative problems.

Here at Macmillan, we can give general advice and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records so cannot give personalised information.

Surgical wounds whether internally or externally are normally closed with absorbable sutures, occasionally metal clips or adhesive can be used to close external wounds.

Most types of stitches dissolve or fall out within 7-10 days however for some people it can take a few weeks before they disappear completely. If you have metal clips, they are normally removed between day 5-14 after surgery. Information about this is normally given on discharge.

If you see nylon threads (end of the sutures) poking out of the healing scar, please do not pull these. Seek medical advice from your hospital team, GP, or your practice nurse. They will be able to give you the reassurance you need how to manage this.

As you have concerns about surgery, it would be worth talking to your team about your them. They have your medical records and are in an ideal position to give you the exact information you require. They can also clarify the type of sutures you had to close your surgical wounds.

I hope you found this information helpful.

Ref: PW/FP

Thank you. My question was general. When a kidney is removed does a patient have internal stitches with kidney removal? Thanks 

Hi Jd19801

My name is Helen and I’m also one of the  Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Thanks for your follow up question.

In the UK, internal sutures used in a radical nephrectomy (kidney removal surgery) are typically absorbable sutures. These sutures are designed to dissolve over time and do not require removal.

The specific type of sutures used can depend on the surgeon’s preference and the specifics of the surgery. It’s always best to discuss these details with your surgical team for the most accurate information.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Helen K

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref: HK / VG