A nephrectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a kidney, either partially or entirely. This operation is performed for various medical reasons, including the treatment of kidney cancer, severe damage from infection or injury, or for organ donation. The journey after kidney removal involves immediate recovery and long-term adjustments to functioning with a single kidney.
Initial Recovery Period
After kidney removal surgery, hospital stay is typically one to five days, depending on the surgery type and individual health.
Pain management is key, with medication controlling surgical site discomfort. Bruising or redness around the incision is normal.
Early mobility is encouraged; walking is promoted as soon as the day after surgery to prevent complications like blood clots and pneumonia.
Incision care involves keeping the area clean and dry, with specific instructions for dressing changes. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks to allow healing.
Adapting to One Kidney
After kidney removal, the remaining kidney adjusts to compensate for the loss. This adaptation starts within days of surgery.
This compensation, called compensatory renal hypertrophy, involves the single kidney increasing in size and functional capacity. This includes enlargement of its filtering units (glomeruli) and tubules.
This allows the remaining kidney to take on the workload of both. It also involves hyperfiltration, where the single kidney filters blood at a higher rate per nephron.
This adaptive response increases the remaining kidney’s ability to filter waste and maintain function.
Long-Term Health Management
Living with one kidney allows for a healthy, active life, but requires mindful long-term health management to protect the organ.
Regular medical check-ups are important, including monitoring blood pressure, kidney function tests (eGFR), and urine tests for protein or albumin. These tests help detect early changes, allowing timely intervention.
Lifestyle adjustments are important for kidney health. Staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while mindful of sodium, is recommended. Most with one healthy kidney do not require a special diet, unless advised by a provider. Moderate physical activity is encouraged, but avoid contact sports or high-risk abdominal injury activities to protect the remaining kidney.
Careful medication management is also important, as some drugs affect kidney function; discuss all medications and supplements with a provider. Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes further support the single kidney’s longevity and function. Adhering to these guidelines helps most people with one kidney maintain good health and quality of life.