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Urology (Expert Forum)
Removal of Kidney
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Removal of Kidney
by ksa__0, May 06, 1999 12:00AM
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.
Posted by HFHS M.D.-AT on May 17, 1999 at 13:20:01
Dear Ksa:
Thanks for your question. After nephrectomy the intestines do shift and fill up the area normally occupied by the kidneys. This may give a feeling of fullness. Minimal pain is also within normal limits. It usually takes 3 to 6 months to feel totally normal.
However excessive pain, rapid increase in swelling and fever are abnormal and require a urological check up. It maybe a good idea to see your surgeon and get yourself checked.
Hope this information will help you. Best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. The Henry Ford Hospital Department of Urology has experience in the evaluation and treatments of problems as you describe. We would be most interested in helping you. You can reach us through our toll-free number 1-800-653-6568.We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any x-rays (not just the reports) as well as any physicians' notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-A.T.
*Key word: Renal cancer, laparoscopy
