There are a number of diseases in which the removal of a kidney is the only option to save a patient's life. This is an extreme measure, but if you cannot do without it, then you need to get as much information as possible about what will happen. Moreover, it is desirable not only to be aware of how the surgical intervention will be carried out, but also to find out everything about the rehabilitation period after it.
Kidney Functions
There are no unimportant organs in the human body. Everyone does their job, influencing the state of the person as a whole. The kidneys perform several functions that are equally important:
- blood purification from nitrogenous metabolic secretions and other toxins;
- maintaining the required level of electrolytes;
- fluid balance in body tissues;
- maintain and regulate blood pressure;
- isolation of biologically active components such as renin and erythropoietin from cellular tissues.
The secretion of renin and erythropoietin is necessary for a person to maintain blood pressure levels and direct hematopoiesis.
Indications fororgan removal
Removal of a kidney has a medical name - nephrectomy. Before prescribing an operation, doctors try to save the organ by all available means. The fact is that if the kidney is able to function at least 20%, then it is able to cope with the amount of work. But with some pathologies, surgery cannot be avoided. If the kidney is not removed in time, the consequences will be dire.
Neprectomy is prescribed for organ injuries, malignant tumors, congenital anomalies, polycystic and hydronephrosis. In case of detection of a malignant formation, it is impossible to delay the decision. Cancer is characterized by rapid spread of metastases to he althy tissues.
Carrying out the procedure
Removal of a kidney is not prescribed without a comprehensive examination of the patient. To assess the functioning of the second organ, an x-ray with contrast, MRI and other studies are prescribed. In emergency cases, the functionality is checked during the operation by introducing a special dye, which must be excreted in the urine.
The operation is performed in a hospital. The patient stays in the hospital for 1 to 3 weeks. It depends on the complexity of the condition and the type of operation. Nephrectomy can be done either openly or laparoscopically.
Surgeons prefer laparoscopic nephrectomy. Patients are easier to tolerate such removal of the kidney. Reviews about laparoscopy are the most favorable:
- there is no large and ugly scar on the body;
- operation moresafe;
- complications develop less often;
- rehabilitation is easier;
- disability can be avoided.
The fact is that the manipulation is carried out through small incisions in the lumbar region. A laparoscope is inserted into them, and performance is monitored on a special monitor.
Possible Complications
Removal of a kidney may be accompanied by non-specific complications, which depend on concomitant diseases and prolonged immobility. It can be congestive pneumonia or pulmonary embolism. In some cases, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction or stroke develop. Complications like this are rare in medical practice as doctors take steps to prevent them.
The patient must understand that the removal of a kidney is the consequences of an advanced disease that could cause serious harm to he alth. Surgical intervention in this case is inevitable. But postoperative complications can be avoided. Here, much depends on the preoperative preparation and the desire of the person to return to active life as soon as possible. It is necessary to strictly follow all medical prescriptions and recommendations.
Postoperative period. Physical activity
If a kidney is removed, the postoperative period requires complete rest. The first day the patient lies on his back, sudden movements and turns on his side are contraindicated for him, since the sutures from the renal pedicle may slip off. By the end of the first day or in the morning of the next day, the medical staff helpsgently roll over to the side. Sitting up in bed is allowed for 2-3 days, if complications do not appear. You can get out of bed on the fourth day.
The patient is recommended to do breathing exercises, move arms and legs smoothly. It is impossible to remain motionless for a long time, but it is also harmful to be too zealous. If the recommendations are not followed, a hernia or adhesions may appear.
The most important condition is drinking clean water
Due to malnutrition and the use of medications, toxins are formed in the human body. They are excreted with feces and urine, but the kidneys are not always able to effectively process them. There is an even greater burden in the case of removal of a paired organ, so it is very important to facilitate the work of the remaining kidney.
First of all, the patient needs to accustom himself to drink only purified water that has been filtered. It is also recommended to use melted water. The daily diet must include at least 30 ml of pure water per 1 kg of patient weight or 7 ml of melt water, respectively.
Obese people should increase their water intake as follows:
- purified water - at least 40 ml per 1 kg of weight;
- melt water - from 10 ml per 1 kg of weight.
This amount of water is required for daily consumption, plus the patient must receive additional fluid, which is found in vegetables, fruits, soups, etc.
Drinking enough water will ensure mildstool while urine becomes less concentrated.
Diet
The first meal is allowed almost a day after surgery, but water is given earlier. Some patients complain of reduced intestinal motility and increased gas production.
After the patient had a kidney removed, the diet should change dramatically. For the next two years, it will be necessary to follow a diet: completely eliminate s alty, pickled, smoked and spicy foods from the diet, reduce the intake of protein and sweets, refrain from the abuse of coffee and tea.
The daily menu should include fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin and watermelon must be introduced into the diet. Meat or meat dishes should be steamed or boiled, as fried during this period is harmful. You can occasionally eat fermented milk products or yogurt, but they must be fresh and have a short shelf life. It is better to reduce the amount of consumed preservatives to a minimum.
Rehab
If a patient has had a successful kidney removal, rehabilitation can take up to a year and a half. Gradually, the remaining kidney gets used to increased loads and compensates for the absence of a paired organ.
At first, it is necessary to exclude heavy lifting and strong physical exertion. In the morning and in the evening it is desirable to take walks, it is very useful to carry out wiping with a wet towel and a contrast shower. Particular attention will have to be paid to the cleanliness of the skin, since it performs an excretory function, along withremaining kidney.
After removal, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of a he althy kidney. You can not supercool, run chronic ailments, self-medicate. Regular consultations with a urologist will help you objectively assess your condition. Take care of yourself, because the third kidney in the body is not provided.
