Questions posted in the The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.

Subject: Removal of Kidney
Forum: The Urology Forum

Topic Area: Kidney Cancer

Posted by ksa on May 06, 1999 at 21:01:35

I had my right kidney removed due to a mass on 2/16/99. I was told that the cancer was contained within the kidney. I am now experiencing swelling of my right side. Is this normal or if so how long will the swelling occur? Also, what causes this?

Posted by HFHS M.D.-KR on May 07, 1999 at 14:45:53

Dear KSA,

Nephrectomy is a common operation that is performed for a variety of reasons . The most common surgical approach is through the flank. This leaves an incision on the side just below the rib cage. The nerves to the muscles of that area are often cut during the operation. This leads to numbness and laxity of the muscles that can persist as a bulge. Many times the bulge will improve over time. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).


HFHS MD-KR
*keyword: nephrectomy

Posted by ksa on May 07, 1999 at 19:35:04

Thank you for your quick response. I had my kidney removed laprascopically so would the muscles have been cut? Also, I was told that my intestines could have
shifted since the removal of my kidney left a void in that area. Could this be
possible, and if so is this dangerous and will this ever be corrected over time
or is this a permanent situation? It just does not feel right and I feel
uncomfortable along my right flank and even in my back. Thank you in advance
for any input you can give me.



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