Anne Arundel Urology

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Your recent kidney surgery requires little special post hospital care.

Diet

When you return home you may return to your normal diet immediately. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day. Narcotic pain medications cause constipation and therefore should only be taken if necessary.

Wound

Your incision is sealed from outside bacteria within two days of surgery. Nonetheless, you should protect it from dirt and soiling for the first ten days or so. The incision will be tender for the first week and the edges should NOT be pulled apart. If you have Steri-Strips, they should be left on for at least 10-14 days. If a NEW area of redness or swelling occurs, please contact our office for further instructions.

You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Avoid baths, swimming pools and Jacuzzis (anything that submerges the incision) for at least 2 weeks or until the incision(s) are completely healed. Do not scrub the incision or Steri-Strips. Just let the soap and water run over them and pat them dry.

Activity

You may resume normal activity including walking outside and climbing stairs. You should not resume any form of strenuous activity (i.e. jogging, tennis, golf, treadmill, etc.) for 6 weeks after surgery. Then, increase this as tolerated. Anything that causes abdominal straining should be avoided.

You may drive a car locally 2-3 weeks after surgery as long as you are not having pain or taking narcotic pain medications.

Bowels

It is important to keep your bowels regular during the postoperative period. Use a mild laxative if needed and call if you are having problems. (Milk of Magnesia 2-3 Tablespoons, or 2 Dulcolax tablets for example). You may also wish to take a stool softener (Colace 100 mg twice per day) for a couple of weeks after surgery. If this results in loose stools, decrease to once per day or stop completely.

Medication

You should resume your pre-surgery medication unless told not to. In addition you will often be given some type of pain medication. These should be taken as prescribed on the side of the bottle unless you are having an unusual reaction to one of the drugs.

Problems You Should Report To Us (IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, CALL OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM)

Follow-Up

You will need a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. If one has not been made for you, please call 410.266.8049 when you get home. Usually the first appointment should be about 14 days after your surgery.

Office phone 8 AM to 4 PM Weekdays – (410) 266-8049
After 4 pm, Weekends and Holidays – (443) 481-3003