Deciding between open and laparoscopy

Hi Jay123,

   Sorry to hear your news. Good you came here though.Many good people willing to share and help all they can. 

So often kidney tumours are found incidentally. They can be around for many years before becoming a problem.

In my case i had a 9cm tumour on my right kidney. I had the robotic laparoscopy. Dr was very pleased with how the op went.

Post op i was left with 4 circular scars about the size of 10p peice. And a slit scar similar to my appendix scar just below it. About 100mm (4 inches) long.

The scars are even smaller since the scabs came off and are hardly visible now.14 weeks since op.

Recovery for both types of op would be similar except for having to deal with bigger scar and healing time. Apart from that i think the internal scars take about 12 weeks to heeal. Try not to lift anything heavy during this time and you'll reduce chance of a hernia.

Have an extra couple of soft pillows around you as sneezing, burping, coughing, laughing, and hiccuping pulls on your tummy and i found holding the soft pillows tight to my tummy stopped it hurting/pulling so much. 

Try not to rush recovery of this. You'll be told to take it slow. Takes a bit of getting used to.

The mental side of things can be hard. I struggled to let it in at first because i actually felt quite ok. I found asking questions on here helped. As was reading so many other peoples stories. Reading how other people cope and hope inspired me.

Having a plan from your team helps too. Knowing the way forward gave me something to focus on.

I hope i've helped.

Cheers for now....Del.

Hi Jay, I like Del had laparoscopic surgery and it wasn’t as bad for me as I thought it would be. However, I was in a similar situation to you with no date for the procedure…..which did cause me concern. 

Eventually, I found someone who would operate privately and the relief when that date was booked was unbelievable I realise that I was in a fortunate position to be able to afford it.

I feel for you as you are only young and have experienced a shock when they found the tumour. 

Just wondering whether they were able to give you any idea of the date of the robotic surgery and information as to what the risks are if left longer .I think that these are two important pieces of information that you need to make your decision.

Do keep posting so we know how you are getting on.Wishing you all the best.

Jules

Oooffffft what a decision you are being asked to make, with only partial view of the likely timescales.  Grossly unfair.   It seems weird you would have a pre-op before the decision is made - I understand the pre-op "expires" after 6 months, certainly it is time dependent.  

I would add that procedures are being cancelled more as people get covid and late cancellations are likely.  

It's a toughie.  I really sympathise with you.

Hello Jay123,

I am also 36, incidental finding of tumor 3.3 cm on right kidney, came as a shock to me had a good cry for gud few days when Dr said 80 percent chance of being cancer. 

I had biopsy done but it came normal and Dr says they might not have got right sample.I had repeat scan and and had appointment with urologist 16th August, says no changes to tumor size, no issues with kidney function or anything. Otherwise I am fit and well and so it's so hard to accept and make decision to take the whole kidney out. Due to location of tumor Dr keep saying he can try to take tumor out with open surgery if not whole kidney has to come out.

I also don't have date and very indecisive what to do. When think about it makes me numb. I also had my preopt done too.

Keep posting your and mine case seem much similar and I will keep posted if anything new.

Stay strong Jay, easy to say but difficult.

My surgery started as robotic but then switched to keyhole and huge aperture / scar. All done brilliantly 6 weeks ago within 27 days of diagnosis by fantastic surgeon. Kidney + huge tumour all removed. Best to leave the choice to the surgeon I guess but I would want to get it done ASAP.