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Date issued: February 2016

For review:  February 2018

Ref: A-242/Ward/SP/Discharge advice following a Laparoscopic Nephrectomy v2

PDF:  Discharge Advice Following a Laparoscopic Nephrectomy [pdf] 130KB

Complications following surgery do not happen very often, however it is important that you know what to look for.

Pain

You may go home with some tummy pain/discomfort, this is normal. Please take your pain medication as prescribed which will be given to you on discharge.

During the first few weeks after your discharge home if this pain becomes more severe and lasts for more than two hours or you develop…..

•  Fever
• Feeling hot and sweaty
•  Feeling sick or vomiting
•  Generally feeling unwell

Please contact your GP 

Wounds

If your wounds need care from the district nurses then the ward staff will arrange this prior to you going home. It is not unusual for your wound to be slightly red and uncomfortable for the first one to two weeks, however if the wound becomes…..

• Painful
•  Swollen
• Feels Hot
• Starts to discharge Fluid and you are seeing the district nurses please contact them for advice, otherwise, please arrange to see your practice nurse at your GP surgery.

Diet

After surgery, you may find your appetite takes some time to return after your operation, try eating little and often rather than having one or two big meals a day. It is important that you continue to drink plenty of fluids.

Mobilisation

Once you get home please continue to walk around the house and take short walks outside. Remember you need to walk back so do not walk to far to begin with.

Gradually increase how far you walk and your exercise over the following four weeks until you are back to your normal level of exercise.

Do not undertake heavy lifting for at least six weeks after surgery. If your wound is uncomfortable whilst exercising/lifting reduce what you are doing then once you are pain free you can increase/return to your normal activities.

Work and driving

You are advised not to drive for at least four weeks, this should be discussed with your insurance company and they should be informed of the type of surgery you have had to ensure that you are fully covered.

You will be able to return to work within 4 to 12 weeks this will depend on the type of job that you have and how you feel.

You should get back to feeling like your normal self after about 3-4 weeks following this procedure but may need a longer period of time than this off work.

Outpatient’s appointments

Information about follow up appointments will be included in your discharge summary. You will be sent the appointment date and arrangements in the post once this has been arranged.

Useful contact numbers

Once you are home if you have any problems/worries please do not hesitate to contact us:

Urology Specialists Nurses Chestnut unit: 01752 763944

Lynher Ward: 01752 792274