Kidney Tumour Removal, Post op experiences?

Hi Jazras

I had a radical nephrectomy by robotic surgery at the RF just over a month ago so I hope that I can offer you some relevant comments.

Despite this still being major surgery, the amount of pain was remarkably small. I anticipated all manner of difficulty getting out of bed and mobilising and while I was certainly a bit wobbly for a day or two the pain level was low and I was able to get up and about, helped by the physios at first. I described it mostly as discomfort rather than actual pain. The only exception was the main wound site where the kidney was actually removed, I had no surface stitches just steristrips and this area was uncomfortable in a way that I would describe as a burining pain along the cut line. The only painkiller I used was paracetamol, IV at first and then oral and this dealt effectively with the pain in a way that surprised me for such a commonplace drug.

They added dihydrocodeine to the package of drugs as I was given on discharge but as I hadn't taken this in the hospital I didn't see the need to take it afterwards.

You are right to ask about constipation. I think most people on here probably have a story to tell in that area. I didn't go until the sixth day after surgery and the first couple of times were very uncomfortable. I was discharged with a large box of laxatives but things were resolving themselves by then. I probably should have said something earlier. I thought that just drinking enough water would sort things out but it didn't really. Medical staff are happy with things as long as you are passing wind, which isn't really enough.

I should say that I was in the hospital from the Tueday morning until the following Sunday afternoon. This was much longer than anticipated but was because I had a couple of complications which were not expected and which went on to delay my discharge even though there are no long-term implications.

I found the most debilitating thing was lack of sleep. Hospitals are not quiet places, especially at night and even if you do get off to sleep they wake you every two hours to take bp etc. Lots of sleep was needed when I went home.

Within a week or so of being home I was living a reasonably normal life. I was aware that I needed to take things easy and be careful with lifting but the placement of my main wound (low down and close to the top of my leg) seems to mean that there is little damage to my abdo muscles. I was also able to return to driving very quickly.

I'm now just over a month postop, still taking the paracetamol but reducing the dose because the pain is less. I'm able to get up and about and to go out, altough that is only in a limited way at the moment of course.

Overall I'd say that it really wasn't as bad as I expected and that recovery was quite fast.

By the way, they phone you about three weeks after the surgery to discuss the histology and to plan the way forwards.

I hope that gives you some insight into my experience.

Of course, these things are individual so yours won't be exactly the same as mine. I hope that things go well for you.

Thanks for that detailed feedback. Appreciate the time you've put into it. Other than surgical incision points did you get any pain elsewhere, for example internally?

I had a radical nephrectomy two years ago at the age of 64. I too was surprised at how quickly I recovered. I only spent two days in hospital and was sent home with paracetamol for pain and senna for the dreaded constipation. I did have shoulder pain from trapped gas used the operation but this went quickly. The couple of days after the operation I found it very painful to sit up and move about but within two weeks I was moving normally and not taking painkillers. Each day I tried to walk as it definitely helped with pain relief. As said before hospitals are not good places to sleep and when I got home I slept solidly for about 24 hrs. It is a major operation but very doable! Hope it goes well for you

Thank you Jane.  It's good to know your journey was a quick one. How were you months after.. and now? Any ongoing issues?

No internal pain or anywhere else apart from the main incision. 

Apart from feeling tired I was fine after two weeks, driving at six weeks and back to work as a teacher at the same time. For about six months I had the occasional stabbing pain across the largest scar which was nerves healing. Two years in I’m really well and my single kidney is happily doing the work of two!

My op was mid July and I am pretty much back to normal and have been for some weeks. No internal pain; the incision sites have healed well. Very neat. In fact it was never as painful as I feared. I set myself sensible walking targets, going just a little further every day. I was surprised by how quickly I recovered, given that I am 66, overweight and by no means fit. I didn’t need the stronger painkillers I was given on leaving hospital, only the paracetamol. My digestion took a while to recover, but I used the gentle laxative I was given only on three occasions. Some residual numbness, which may or may not be permanent. My blood pressure medication has been adjusted by the GP and I have had two blood tests to keep an eye on things. Hope your op goes well. Best wishes. 

Thanks for sharing. That adds to the picture others have built. Gives some confidence.

Greeting Jazras.

Well its looking like a common Opperation, 

Yea it scared the crap out of me 

One kidney removed, they said key hole, but on the day. The full opening.

4 days in hospital, 

You need to pass wind ask about the breathing exercise it helps.

Sucking in air to fill the lungs there's lots of chat about it, on the site. 

The more you do it the easier it gets.

Exercise, start very very slowly, and regularly, 

Any questions ask 

Good luck.

Thanks Cliff59. Better take some Wind-eze with me. Exercise will be the challenge. I trust my surgery doesnt deviate from laproscopic robotic.