They did blood/urine samples at my pre op but then insisted on further bloods within 72 hours of the operation. My surgery was slightly baffled but that was what they wanted. They need ample supplies of the right type if a blood transfusion is needed.
It’s good to know they take all the necessary precautions . With RBA I believe the blood loss tends to be less than open . My main concern is that in the 3 hour window they can get all the troublesome little growths .
I have been researching into the gas issue because not everybody suffers too badly and my op took six hours. Apparently there are special surgical techniques to evacuate the gas before closing the body cavity so a lot depends in this and other matters on the skill and knowledge of the surgeon. My tummy was sore for weeks but I didnt get painful shoulders or anything although my right hip really hurt and still does a bit. Unsuprisingly there are a lot of variations in the experiences of individual patients having what are very similar operations not only to do with gas but everything else.
Most of the answers so far are comprehensive so not much to add. I had an op similar to yours last week am now recovering well at home. The surgery was fine, as some have said, you are asleep. The nurses were brilliant and the pain management was excellent. The bloating and gas problem lingered on a bit but it does get easier and easier day by day. Getting up and moving is good for this issue. The nurse gave me some peppermint oil (instant relief) and over the counter remedies like Windeze have also helped.
PS:When you are driven home from hospital use a pillow over your belly to stop the seatbelt scraping too much.
Yes people have been very helpful as has your response so thank you. I have a long journey home from the hospital so the pillow tip will be particularly helpful . Thanks to everyone on this forum , you know what , it helps not feeling so alone .
In my region the operation I need was turned down by the regional centre as outside their experience so I was referred to London who have the experienced surgeons . Even if it was in my region they wouldn’t help with the transport . I think we’ll have to stop a couple of times just so I move around to reduce blood clotting possibilities but that’s ok .
Hi I had a partial nephrectomy in January, and the robot assisted operation is so much better than you think . everything Jules has said is spot on .great advise . Things will be ok they are amazing .I had mine at Salford royal in Manchester .good luck
Thanks . Had my operation this week on Wednesday out Friday at 2pm . Everything went to plan but time constraints meant 2 out of 3 lesions removed and 3rd wasn’t looking particularly threatening so all good. Drain removed after first night as was catheter . That was the worrying bit as spinal block made nerves in bladder sleepy , by midnight they have woken up , never been so pleased to wake up to go to the loo before! I would suggest if others have similar experiences they turn the taps on in the wash basin to help psychologically and get that bladder awake. I got out onto the chair as soon as I could and made myself walk up and down the ward every hour or so , you feel a twit but just do it as it really helps with the trapped wind in the shoulder area. I’m not good with anaesthetic so they gave me anti emetics but the inevitable sickness beat that and I felt SO much better after that . Little interest in food but drank loads of water . Portal points from surgery tender but not painful and I do take the strong painkillers at bedtime so I get a good sleep . Staying with my daughter till tomorrow as she lives near Guys where I had the surgery then travel back to Midlands . Be prepared , the nursing staff are good but so over worked and understaffed so a little patience goes a long way . Take all the pain relief/ laxatives offered , pain is debilitating so just anticipate it and head it off at the pass . Now it’s just waiting for histopathology results, fingers crossed no cancer cells remaining . Wholly recommend Robotic assisted surgery if it’s suitable for your condition , even if you have to travel to get it - open is so much harder on recovery but hey at the end of the day it’s our health and we do what it takes. Thank goodness for skilled Medics , supportive families and this Community to share experiences .
