How to Recover From Kidney Surgery
Doctors use kidney surgery, or a nephrectomy, to remove all or part of a kidney or extract tumors caused by cancer. The Canadian Urological Associations says that, after these procedures, patients stay in the hospital for a least a week to begin the recovery process. Once patients leave the hospital, they need between eight weeks to three months to recover from kidney surgery. To make a speedy recovery, though, patients must follow doctor's guidelines.
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Instructions
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Sit on the side of the bed and walk. Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute says that doctors require patient to move after their surgery to begin recovering from kidney surgery. Moving right after surgery is painful, but this helps bodily functions reregulate and prevent blood clots from developing in the legs. Special stockings prevent blood clot development.
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Begin consuming liquids in one to three days. Doctors determine when patients can begin consuming liquids like broths.
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Perform breathing exercises and cough regularly. Johns Hopkins Medicine James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute says that breathing exercises and coughing prevent respiratory infections like pneumonia and other lung problems. Pulmonary problems delay kidney surgery recovery.
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Take medications as instructed by surgeons. When patients leave the hospital, doctors prescribe pain medications, antibiotic and sometimes stool softeners to patients recovering from kidney surgery. Oral pain medication substitutes for intravenous medication received in the hospital. Antibiotics prevent wound infections, and stool softeners alleviate after surgery constipation. Do not change dosage without doctor's permission.
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Change wound dressings four to six times a day or as needed. Surgical wounds leave skin exposed to germs, and soiled dressings increase bacterial buildup, which delays kidney surgery recovery. Saint Louise Regional Hospital stays that people should wash hand and wear gloves when redressing wounds, disposing old dressing in a trash bag. Patients receive instructions before leaving the hospital.
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Slowly increase activity. James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute says that patients should not sit or lie in bed too long, and they should take short walks as advised by doctors to recover from kidney surgery. After two weeks, many patients begin driving, if doctors give permission. Patients should avoid heavy lifting or exercises like jogging, swimming or biking for six weeks. Doctors monitor patient recovery before permitting them to embark on any activity.
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Avoid salty foods and high protein diets. James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute says that a high sodium and high protein diet causes kidney damage in people recovering from kidney surgery. Doctors provide patients with dietary instructions on approved foods that enhance recovery.
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Contact doctor if suffering from pain. Patients not recovering well from kidney surgery or who are experiencing pain should see their physician to make sure they aren't suffering from post-surgery complications.
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