Kidney removal side effects: Understanding post-surgery pain, recovery, and health risks |

Kidney removal, medically known as a nephrectomy, is a major surgical procedure performed to treat kidney disease, cancer, or to enable a healthy individual to donate a kidney. While the operation can be life-saving or improve long-term health outcomes, it often comes with a period of recovery marked by discomfort and other physical challenges. Experiencing pain after kidney removal is normal as the body heals, but for some people, this pain can persist longer than expected. Understanding what types of pain may occur, how long they last, and the possible complications can help patients manage recovery more effectively and recognise when to seek medical advice for ongoing symptoms.

A nephrectomy, or kidney removal surgery, is a major medical procedure performed for various reasons, such as treating kidney cancer, addressing other kidney-related diseases, or donating a kidney to someone in need. While this operation can be life-saving, it can also bring temporary or long-lasting side effects. One of the most commonly reported issues after kidney removal is pain.

It is completely normal to experience some degree of pain or discomfort around the incision site following a nephrectomy. This is part of the natural healing process and usually improves within one to two weeks. However, for some individuals, pain persists beyond the expected recovery period and becomes chronic. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines chronic pain as pain that lasts longer than three months after a procedure.

Experiencing pain after a nephrectomy is expected. Most people report soreness, tenderness, or discomfort near the incision, which typically fades as the body heals. However, chronic pain following kidney removal is not uncommon.According toa study published in the British Journal of Surgery, about one in four kidney donors experienced ongoing pain or discomfort months after their surgery. The research showed that younger individuals and those with longer hospital stays were more likely to report persistent symptoms. Common triggers for discomfort included lying down, bending, sitting, performing daily activities, coughing, or climbing stairs.

The kind of pain experienced after a nephrectomy can vary depending on the surgical approach, the healing process, and whether any nerves or muscles were affected during the operation. Below are some common types of pain patients may notice after kidney removal.Flank painFlank pain is one of the most typical types of discomfort after nephrectomy. It occurs around the side of the abdomen or lower back, where the surgical incision is made. This pain may result from the healing process, the formation of scar tissue, or muscle strain in the surrounding area.Back painMany patients experience back pain following surgery. This can happen due to infection, nerve irritation, or reduced use of core muscles during recovery. In rare cases, a condition called rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue, can also contribute to post-surgical back pain.Nerve painNerve pain is a leading cause of chronic discomfort after kidney removal. During surgery, nerves, whether large or small, can sometimes become stretched or damaged, leading to sharp, burning, or tingling sensations. Pain that persists even while at rest is often a sign of deep nerve injury. Abdominal painIf the nephrectomy is performed through an abdominal incision, patients may experience pain or tightness in the abdominal wall as the area heals. This is usually temporary but can be uncomfortable during movement or coughing.Gluteal (Buttock) painAlthough rare, gluteal pain can develop due to a complication called gluteal compartment syndrome, as reported in a study. This condition leads to swelling, pain, weakness, and numbness around the buttocks area and requires medical attention.Shoulder painDuring laparoscopic or robotic-assisted nephrectomies, surgeons often inflate the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas to improve visibility. Some of this gas may irritate the diaphragm, causing referred pain in the shoulder region. Fortunately, this discomfort usually subsides within a few days.

Although nephrectomy is generally safe, it is still a major surgery with possible complications. These may include infection, bleeding (sometimes requiring a transfusion), pneumonia, allergic reactions to anaesthesia, and, in rare cases, kidney failure if the remaining kidney is not functioning well. Death following nephrectomy is extremely rare, occurring in fewer than one per cent of cases.Laparoscopic nephrectomy, where small incisions and specialised instruments are used, is usually associated with a quicker recovery and fewer side effects compared to traditional open surgery.

Q. What is chronic postsurgical pain?A. Chronic postsurgical pain is pain that continues for at least three months after an operation. It can result from inflammation, nerve injury, or changes in how the brain processes pain.Q. Can one kidney work as well as two?A. Yes. In most cases, a single kidney is capable of performing all essential filtering functions. However, if the remaining kidney becomes damaged, symptoms such as high blood pressure, swelling in the legs, and blood in the urine may develop.Q. When should I seek medical help?A. Contact your doctor if you experience worsening pain, fever, redness or swelling around the incision site, difficulty urinating, nausea, vomiting, or chest pain. These could indicate infection or other complications that require prompt treatment.Q. How long does pain last after kidney removal?A. The duration of pain after nephrectomy varies between individuals. Many people notice significant improvement within the first few weeks, while others may experience mild discomfort that lingers for several months.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.