Partial Nephrectomy: What to Expect

Prior to Surgery

• Talk to your doctor about any medications/vitamins/herbs you are taking as you may need to stop certain ones before surgery.
• Let your doctor know if you could be or are pregnant.
• Discuss any possible bleeding disorders or other medical conditions that you may have.

Pre-Op Instructions

• You will have blood samples taken in case you need a blood transfusion.
• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood thinners.
• Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.
• Do not smoke. This will help you to recover quicker.

On the Day of the Surgery

• You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before the surgery.
• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

After Surgery

You will stay in the hospital for a couple of days, depending on your recovery. During a hospital stay, you may:

• Be asked to sit on the side of the bed and walk on the same day at surgery
• Have a tube, or catheter, that comes from your bladder
• Have a drain that comes out through your surgical cut
• Be encouraged to do breathing exercises
• Wear special stockings to prevent blood clots
• Receive shots under your skin to prevent blood clots
• Receive pain medicine into your veins or pills

Recovery: What to Expect in the Next Few Weeks

• Most patients will feel better within a few days; however, do not lift, push or pull any heavy objects until after your doctor says it is OK.
• Full recovery takes six weeks to allow for internal healing.

Alternative Names
Partial nephrectomy, partial kidney removal.