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Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is surgery to remove part of your kidney through small incisions. The kidneys remove waste from the blood. The waste is then flushed from your body through your urine.

HOW TO PREPARE:

The week before your surgery:

• Write down the correct date, time, and location of your surgery.
• Arrange a ride home. Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your surgery or procedure. Do not drive yourself home.
• Ask your caregiver if you need to stop using aspirin or any other prescribed or over-the-counter medicine before your procedure or surgery.
• Bring your medicine bottles or a list of your medicines when you see your caregiver. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any medicine. Tell your caregiver if you use any herbs, food supplements, or over-the-counter medicine.
• You may need blood or urine tests before surgery. You may also need x-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI of the kidneys. Talk to your healthcare provider about these or other tests you may need. Write down the date, time, and location for each test.
• You may need to avoid solid food and drink clear liquids, such as apple juice or broth, the day before surgery. You may also need to drink a liquid that cleans out your bowel. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.

The night before your surgery:

• Ask caregivers about directions for eating and drinking.
• You may be given medicine to help you sleep.

The day of your surgery:

• Ask your caregiver before you take any medicine on the day of your surgery. Bring a list of all the medicines you take, or your pill bottles, with you to the hospital. Caregivers will check that your medicines will not interact poorly with the medicine you need for surgery.
• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives caregivers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
• Caregivers may insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. Through the IV tube, you may be given liquids and medicine.
• An anesthesiologist will talk to you before your surgery. You may need medicine to keep you asleep or numb an area of your body during surgery. Tell caregivers if you or anyone in your family has had a problem with anesthesia in the past.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

What will happen:

Your healthcare provider will make 3 to 5 small incisions near your kidney. Your abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide to gently lift the muscles away from your organs. This helps the surgeon see your kidney better. Your surgeon will remove the damaged part of your kidney. Your adrenal gland may also be removed. The adrenal gland sits on top of your kidney and produces hormones. Your incisions will be closed with stitches or medical glue and covered with bandages.

After your surgery:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you will be able to go home or taken to your hospital room.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

• You cannot make it to your surgery.
• You have a fever.
• You get a cold or the flu.
• You have questions or concerns about your surgery.

Seek Care Immediately if

• Your symptoms get worse.

Risks

• You may get an infection or bleed more than expected. You may need 1 large incision instead of smaller ones. Nerves, blood vessels, muscles, or organs may be damaged. The carbon dioxide used during surgery may cause shoulder or chest pain for 1 to 2 days after your surgery. The remaining part of your kidney may not work as well as it did before.
• Without treatment, your signs and symptoms will get worse. Your kidney may not be able to completely remove waste from your body. Too much waste in your body can cause dizziness, seizures, or confusion. Toxic waste buildup in your body can be life-threatening.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.