Robot Assisted Nephrectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.

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Robot-assisted nephrectomy (RAN) is surgery to remove part or all of your kidney through small incisions in your abdomen. RAN is done with a machine that is controlled by your surgeon. The machine has mechanical arms that use small tools to remove your kidney.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• You have blood in your urine.
• You urinate small amounts or not at all.
• Your stitches come apart.
• You have fluid buildup in your legs.
• Your surgery area is red, swollen, or draining pus.

Related medications

Call your surgeon or urologist if:

• You have a fever.
• You have severe abdominal or low back pain.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Antibiotics may be given to prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
• Bowel movement softeners may be given to help prevent constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Care for your incision sites. Ask when you can remove your bandages. Gently clean the sites with soap and water. Do not rub the sites. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. Keep the areas clean and dry. Gently pat the areas dry and put on new, clean bandages, if directed. Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Ask when it is okay to return to your usual daily activities. You may need to wait 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Slowly start to do more each day. Your provider will tell you about the activities you should avoid after your surgery. You may also be given a weight restriction on lifting objects.
• Drink liquids as directed. Liquids will help prevent constipation and help your other kidney work correctly. Keep track of how much liquids you drink and how often you urinate. This helps you stay hydrated and prevents too much water loss. Follow your provider's instructions about how much liquid to have each day and which liquids are best for you.
• Choose a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fish. Your provider or dietitian may recommend that you limit protein foods such as milk, fish, and meat. Protein will make your kidney work harder.
• Limit or do not drink alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can cause strain on your other kidney and increase your risk for dehydration.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can delay healing. Smoking also increases your risk for infection after surgery. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your surgeon or urologist as directed:

You may need to return to have your wounds checked and stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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