Laparoscopic nephrectomy

Next, we will discuss the steps that will take place after you decide to have surgery. In what follows, we will review all stages of the process from the moment of preparation and examinations to the recovery and recovery phase of the operation. Of course, between these two stages, we will pass through the stages of the operation and anesthesia, as well as what happens during the surgical procedure.

1- The counseling stage

• During your initial consultation with the surgeon, he or she will review your medical history as well as any reports, examinations and x-rays (such as CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound scans).
• A brief physical examination will also be performed at the time of your visit.
• If your surgeon decides that you are a candidate for surgery, you will remain in contact with your medical advisor, Patient Service, who will coordinate and arrange the operation date and all the services you need.
• For details of health and insurance coverage, you must consult with the contracting company.

2- The examinations and tests stage

Once your surgery is scheduled, you’ll receive a list of pre-operative tests that often include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Coagulation Profile (PT / PTT)
• Comprehensive Metabolism Panel (Blood Chemistry Profile)
• Urinalysis

3- Preparation for laparoscopic kidney cancer resection:

• Medicines to be avoided before surgery:

Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Alka-Seltzer, Vitamin E, Ticlide, Coumadin, Lovinox, Celebrex, Voltaren, Vioxx, Plavix

In addition to some other arthritis medications, they can cause bleeding and should be avoided a week before surgery. Please contact our medical advisor if you are not sure which medications to stop prior to surgery. Do not stop taking any medication without contacting the doctor who prescribed it to obtain his approval.

• Bowel preparation and a liquid diet

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before surgery.

Drink only clear liquids for 24 hours prior to the date of surgery. Please follow the diet prescribed by your surgeon or medical advisor.

4- After laparoscopic kidney cancer eradication:

You will experience the following:

• Pain after kidney cancer ablation: The patient can overcome the pain by taking painkillers. You may experience some minor transient pain in the shoulder (1 to 2 days) due to the carbon dioxide gas used during the laparoscopic surgery.
• Nausea: You may feel some nausea associated with the anesthesia. Medicines are available to treat persistent nausea.
• Urinary catheter: You can expect to have a urinary catheter to drain your bladder (which is placed in the operating room while you sleep) for about a day after surgery. Your urine may be mixed with some blood for a few days after surgery.
• Diet: You can expect to have an IV catheter for one to two days. (An intravenous tube is a small tube placed in your vein so that you can receive the fluids needed to feed you; it also provides a way to receive medication.)
• Most patients are able to tolerate ice chips and small sips of fluids on the day of surgery and regular food the next day. Once you follow a regular diet, you can take pain relievers orally instead of IV or otherwise.
• Fatigue: Fatigue is common and you will feel better over time within a few weeks after surgery.
• Motivational spirometry: You will be expected to do some very simple breathing exercises to help prevent respiratory infections with an Inductive Spirometry (these exercises will be explained to you by the nursing staff during your stay in the hospital). Coughing and deep breathing are an important part of your recovery and help prevent pneumonia and other lung complications.
• Walking: On the day of surgery, it is very important to get out of bed and start walking under the supervision of your nurse or family member to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
• Hospital stay: The hospital stay for most patients is approximately two days.
  Constipation / gas cramps: You may experience a slowing of the bowel for several days after surgery as a result of anesthesia. Stool drugs and laxatives are usually given to make it easier to have a bowel movement.
• Eating a teaspoon of mineral oil daily at home also helps prevent constipation. Pain relievers can also cause constipation.

Recovery phase (after discharge from the hospital)

• Pain control: You can expect to feel some pain that may require pain medication for a few days after surgery.
• Bathing: You can shower after returning home from the hospital. Wound sites can be wet, but should be lined and dry immediately after showering. Bathtubs are not recommended for the first two weeks after surgery as this increases the risk of infections. Use tape to bandage the wound. The sutures will fall off in about five to seven days. The stitches will dissolve within four to six weeks.
• Activity: Daily walking is highly recommended. Prolonged sitting or lying in bed should be avoided. Climbing stairs is possible, but it must be taken slowly. Driving should be avoided for at least one to two weeks after surgery. Never carry heavy objects (more than 20 pounds) or exercise (jogging, swimming, walking, and cycling) for six weeks or as directed by a doctor. Most patients return to full activity an average of three weeks after surgery. You can expect to return to work in about four weeks.
• Diet: You should drink a lot of fluids and consult your doctor about what diet you should follow.
• Post-operative test results: Post-operative test results are usually available within one week after surgery. You can discuss these results with your surgeon by contacting him over the phone or at a follow-up appointment at the clinic or hospital.
• Blood tests and X-rays of kidney function: Patients are encouraged to have a yearly blood test, called serum creatinine, that is performed by a primary care physician to monitor kidney function in general. The surgeon will also review these results during follow-up visits.

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