Kidney Cancer
What to Expect After Discharge
- Pain Control: You can expect to have some pain that may require pain medication for a few days after discharge, and then Tylenol or other over he counter pain relievers (Morin, Advil, etc) should be sufficient to control your pain.
- Showering: You may shower at home. Your wound sites can get wet, but must be patted dry. Tub baths can soak your incisions and therefore are not recommended in the first 2 weeks after surgery. You will have adhesive strips across your incisions. These are not to be removed and will peel off after surgery. Sutures will dissolve in 4-6 weeks.
- Activity: Taking walks is very important. Prolonged sitting or lying in bed should be avoided as this can result in blood clots. Climbing stairs is fine. Driving should be avoided for at least one week after surgery. Absolutely no heavy lifting (greater than 20 pounds) or exercising (jogging, swimming, treadmill, biking) for four weeks or until instructed by your doctor. Most patients return to full activity on an average of three weeks after surgery. You can expect to return to work in approximately 3- 4 weeks.
- Diet: You should be on a no added salt diet and always avoid high protein diets. Foods that are high in potassium such as bananas or orange juice should be eaten in moderation. Medications which in high doses can affect the kidney, such as ibuprofen should be avoided.
Follow-up Appointment: You will need to call the Institute at 516.734.8500 soon after your discharge to schedule a follow up visit for 4 weeks after your surgery date with your surgeon. During this appointment you will obtain a long term follow up plan from your surgeon.
