Nephrectomy (Laparoscopic) Melbourne

Kidney removal, or nephrectomy, is the removal of an entire kidney. It may also involve removal of the adrenal gland and surrounding lymph nodes. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and you will remain in hospital for approximately 5 days.

Before surgery

• Ensure your hospital paperwork is completed and sent to the hospital at least 7 days before surgery.
• Ensure you have all your tests completed 4-7 days before surgery. These include bloods, ECG and urine test.
• Once admitted, you will be issued with anti-embolic stockings (compression stockings). You are required to wear these throughout your admission as these will help prevent blood clots forming.
• If you are a Diabetic, please speak to the Practice Nurse at your earliest convenience.
• If you are on any blood thinning medications, then please alert the nurse at your earliest convenience.
• Please inform staff if you have any allergies.

Following surgery

• You will have a catheter for 2 -3 days and your urine output will be monitored by nursing staff. This will be removed before you are discharged and nursing staff will check to ensure you are emptying your bladder well.
• Whilst you’re in hospital you will have intravenous fluids as you will remain nil orally for a few days. You be will commenced on sips of fluids approx. 2-3 days following surgery and if you are tolerating fluids well you will progress to free fluids and then light diet.
• You will have a Pain Control Analgesia (PCA). You are advised to press the button if you have pain. As you pain is under control you will be converted to oral medication.
• You will have a drain tube and this will be removed by nursing staff as directed by your doctor.
• Your wound will have water proof dressing and this will remain intact until the day you are discharged.
• It is important you walk gently whilst you’re in hospital.

Following discharge

• You will return to the rooms for a wound check one week following discharge. If this appointment was not made, please call the rooms.
• It is important to ensure you maintain adequate fluids. 1.5 to 2 litres per day is advisable.
• It is important you avoid strenuous physical activities and any heavy lifting for 4 weeks.
• You will be able to drive 4 weeks following surgery
• Ensure you take adequate pain relief as required.

Please call the rooms if you experience any of the following:

• Excruciating pain when passing urine not relieved by oral analgesia
• Fever
• Wound sites – red, inflamed and hot to touch
• Urine – presence of blood, passing of clots
• Urine – frequency, difficulty passing urine, urgency, burning