Kidney removal (not me my mom)
I was hoping to get some input from the group on expectations/post operation recovery after a kidney removal from those in the house who may have first hand knowledge or any health care professionals in the house.
Background
73 year old female, overweight 5'1" 200lbs maybe slightly more.
My mother has been diagnosed with cancer in her kidney, it's encapsulated/contained in the kidney (quarter sized) with no signs its in the lymph nodes or lungs. This is to be performed laparoscopically, assuming no need to open he up once they are in. She asked about Chemotherapy but her appointment with the doctor is August 5th.
I am in Canada so she is a patient in the system which by all assessments so far is working great.
Questions
1) What should she/I be asking the doctor at this August 5th appointment before the surgery?
2) My questions revolve around typical recovery time following this type of procedure, given her age and relative inactiveness. She does still walk/garden/cut the grass regularly and was going to aqua size classes about a year ago. I realize that there are all kinds of variables I'm just trying to get some kind of handle on possible time off work to help her recovery. I know I could get 1-2 weeks easily does this sound anywhere near the mark.
Let me know if you need more information or if I've been unclear as I was not there for the CT (?) scan or the other test procedure they completed on her.
Comments
I am a pediatric urologist, and have and do perform this operation from time to time. I have done many in adults too, during residency.
If it's a small tumor as you describe, the procedure is likely to be fairly easy and straightforward and chemotherapy postop is unlikely to be needed.
Recovery time is variable, a lot of it depending on her level of activity preop. Certainly being overweight is not in her favor, but she will likely be off of pain meds in ~2 weeks. Able to get around the house gingerly in a week or so. They will want her to get up and out of bed on the first day after surgery though, at least to stand and walk a little and sit in a chair, etc.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy is MUCH less painful and recovery is much quicker (especially in adults) than open nephrectomy (one of the most painful incisions of all).
She should do fine. Routine procedure. Hope that helps a little.
Ask the surgeon: 1) how long anticipated in hospital? 2) How long anticipated on pain meds?
Make sure she's taking a stool softener postop....narcotics really slow the colon down and that leads to more pain/problems overall during the first couple of weeks.
Rachel and Jeff thanks for the information and insights. It's much appreciated.
Gordon