Assurance on radical nephrectomy and surgery

I was 66 and by no means fit when I had my nephrectomy in 2020. I had not had any treatment other than the op and mine was laparoscopic so lots of small wounds rather than one larger one but I just wanted to say that it is natural to be anxious about an operation and the recovery. I was very worried given my age and obesity but I am glad I listened to my doctors.

I was reassured by the confidence of my surgeon and he was right as the surgery turned out to be less traumatic that a hysterectomy I had years before. I was out of hospital within a couple of days but I realise that not everyone’s experience is the same. I guess following the recommendations of the medical team has worked out well for me. I hope this helps. 

Thank you for your answer which is reassuring. I don't know when this will go ahead or any details as yet. My worries are partly down to something the urology consultant said early last year when he decided that an operation would be too risky. This was a couple of weeks after the MDT had said I should have an operation. As a result of his decision I was started on immunotherapy instead. Did you have to have any treatment post-op ?  And how long did your recovery take ?

Thank you

It is such a worrying time, I know. Was it the size of the tumour that made the consultant say an operation was too risky so now it has shrunk he feels able to proceed? No, I didn’t have any treatment after my operation but regular CT scans to check all was clear. Last year the CT scan picked up a problem in a lymph gland which resulted it a course of radiation therapy so I am back on the more frequent CT scans.

As far as recovery from the op is concerned, mine was a laproscopic rather than a radical nephrectomy so that will make a difference. The hospital was very quick to get me up on my feet and walking round the ward and at home I was keen to gradually extend the number of steps without overdoing it. Everyone is different but I was surprised by how I recovered, given my age and lack of fitness. 

I have looked back at my diary. 14th operation; 16th home; 23rd I removed the dressings, healing well; 30th no more compression socks and by then I was able to walk 100-150 yards up the hill and along the lane, a little bit more each day. I didn’t need to use all the strong pain killers I was given on discharge, only in the very early days. Again, you need to remember that everyone is different and that a radical nephrectomy will be different to a laproscopic one so I would ask the consultant what to expect. 

You're quite right. The issue was, no doubt, due to the size of the tumour. I know it was very close to the pancreas. It was the way he phrased it, that the operation could be fatal, that has played on my mind since. But, then all operations carry a risk which is why I cannot understand those who have unnecessary cosmetic surgery.

Thank you for sharing the details of your experience. It has really helped.

My op was massive. Nearly six hours. But I recovered with no problems. And I was sixty six.

Simon, thank you for this. Six hours though sounds like a long time. But glad to see that it all worked out for you.

Vicki

Good afternoon, Librarian. 

I am pleased you current treatments are working well with shrinking your cancer. I am one of the online champions and wanted to welcome you too. 

I had a right nephectomoy in December with no issues during the surgery. Spent 5 days in ITU for post operation recovery. My tumor was 12cm and high risk clear cell. So I have now started immunotherapy 6 weekly to prevent the cancer returning. 

I feel anything like this is a personal choice and many people of different ages have had this type of surgery. Obviously every situation is different and recovery time can take longer for some.

I would speak with your clinical team again. They must be confident you would be okay for surgery and manage the recover following it too. They are better placed to talk to you about this and know your clinical needs as well. 

Surgery is a very scary thing to face. I was very nervous before mine, so I can understand why you are worried and concerned. Any major surgery can cause bleeding, or infections but they are aware of this and have everything in place to prevent this and put right if it was to happen. 

Living with one kidney does not really change anything, has the remaining kidney takes over the function. I was not told to change any diet, fluids and was told to live like I have 2. 

I hope the advice and support is helping. If there is anything else or support you might need. Please let me know and I will do my best to help. 

All the best, 

Jamie 

Jamie, thank you for the details of your surgery. Together with the other answers I have received I feel more confident.

It looks as though things have worked the other way round for you with having surgery then immunotherapy whilst I have been having immunotherapy in order to prepare for surgery. With me it wasn't just the size of the tumour but it's position also. There is also a thrombus to throw into.the mix.

I hope the immunotherapy helps you. My issues have been minor (nausea, aching limbs) until recently when the pembrolizumab caused hypothyroidism. But it's treatable and doesnt affect everyone. 

Wishing you all the best

Vicki

Hello Vicky,.

Thank you for your reply. I have seem to have done things in reverse to you. I think thyroid issues is very common with immuntherapy. From what reserch I did read it seems to affect later on in treatment. If I only get the few side affects you mentioned and reduce risk of the cancer returning. You have gave me some confidence in my own personal choice of having the treatment. 

I am really pleased you feel more confident and have managed to speak to others and have some of your concerns answered too. 

Always here anytime. I look forward to hearing how things progress for you. 

All the best, 

Jamie 

Hi. Absolutely normal to be anxious although I was keen to get the kidney and tumour, all 10cm of it out! I had radical nephrectomy January 2025 via robot assisted keyhole surgery. I was ages 60.  I was admitted on a Tuesday early and had surgery the same day. I was home Thursday.i was well cared for in terms of pain control..I think dihydrocodeine every 4-6 hour and only needed one dose of morphine Wednesday morning. By a week post op I could manage without any painkillers. We all have different experiences but surgery and recovery were no where near as I feared.good luck with whatever you decide