Partial Nephrectomy

What to Expect

Prior to surgery, follow your physician's specific instructions regarding any medications, fasting periods and pre-surgery bowel preparation. Each patient and surgery scenario is unique and may require different pre-surgery recommendations.

Communicate with your physician and the hospital staff regarding time of arrival at the hospital and any other questions you may have about your surgery.

On the day of surgery:

• Ask about and resolve any remaining questions regarding your procedure.
• General anesthesia is used in partial nephrectomy, so you will be asleep during the procedure.
• During surgery, family members can congregate in a waiting area in the hospital where a member of the health care team can update them periodically on the surgery's progress. If they need to leave the waiting area, they should let the desk attendant know how to reach them.

After surgery:

• You will be monitored in the hospital for pain management and catheter care as needed.
• Some pain is normal, and will be managed with medications, as needed, while you are in hospital and after you return home.
• After surgery, the area of the surgical incision (or incision portals, in cases of laparoscopic surgery) may appear swollen and bruised. Taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medication as directed can help relieve discomfort.
• Some patients experience diminished urinary control due to catheterization, but urinary control loss is a short-term problem usually lasting a few hours, if it occurs at all.

Your doctor will typically place temporary restrictions on activity. For example, your doctor may want you to walk and do light household tasks while recuperating at home, but require you to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous activities, or operating heavy machinery for at least six to eight weeks. Rely on your doctor's guidance.