Kidney Removal Post Op Breathing Problems

  My father (who is 74 years old) had a kidney removed 6/9/98.  
  The kidney contained a large benign
  tumor.
  Since then, he has had some fairly normal post-op problems,
  but is experiencing fairly serious breathing difficulties.
  What could be causing this post-op problem?
Dear June
Thanks for your question.
The removal of a kidney is a big operation.  Rarely, fluid can build up in the lung cavity and cause a problem with respiration.  Likewise, entering the pleural (lung) cavity during removal of the kidney is rarely a problem if recognized and corrected during surgery. Both of these problems can be managed with a chest tube to drain the fluid or air around the lung. Usually in elderly patients, comorbidities like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema), congestive heart failure  or  asthma increase the patient