Post-nephrectomy care for renal cancer

Written by Zou De Bo
Urology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Postoperative care measures for kidney cancer primarily include observing the patient's vital signs. After a radical nephrectomy for a large renal tumor, a significant amount of tissue is removed including the kidney, surrounding adrenal fat, and lymph nodes at the renal hilum, which results in larger surgical wounds and potentially more bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor for signs of bleeding and ensure that transfusions and fluid administrations are unobstructed. Secondly, careful observation and management of the wound drainage tubes are required. Thirdly, for radical nephrectomies, once the patient is past the anesthesia phase and the blood pressure is stable, a semi-reclined position can be adopted. Patients who have undergone partial nephrectomy should remain in bed for one to two weeks to prevent further bleeding, and kidney functions should be monitored. Additionally, attention should be paid to symptoms such as breath holding and difficulty in breathing. Postoperative feeding should commence once gastrointestinal function is restored; thereafter, nutrition should be enhanced to boost bodily resistance. Calming medications may be appropriately used to ease pain, facilitating movement, effective coughing, and expectoration.

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The difference between benign and malignant kidney cancer.

The incidence of kidney cancer is also considered relatively high, with over 95% of kidney tumors being malignant, and benign tumors being less common. The distinction between benign and malignant tumors is determined by their symptomatic expression and growth patterns, and they have different impacts on the body. Generally, benign tumors grow expansively or exophytically, have a slower growth rate, and have clearer boundaries with often a capsule surrounding them. The texture and color of the tumor are close to that of normal tissues. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, exhibit the opposite characteristics.

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Can you have sexual intercourse after kidney cancer removal?

After kidney cancer removal, based on an individual's physical condition, sexual activity can still be undertaken. Radical nephrectomy is also the best treatment method. During the surgery, it is often necessary to fully expose the area, first ligating the renal pedicle to prevent squeezing cancer cells into the bloodstream during surgery, while also removing the fascia and fat around the kidney, along with the lymph nodes at the hilum. After the surgery, it is also necessary to complement this with immunotherapy, such as using interferons and interleukins for immune treatment. Patients with kidney cancer can engage in appropriate sexual activities after surgery, but they should not be too strenuous, aiming not to feel tired the following day.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
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Complications after interventional treatment for renal cancer

Post-intervention complications of renal cancer can include hematuria, lower back pain, and tumor recurrence. Hematuria is indirect and painless, visible to the naked eye. Renal cancer often accompanies renal colic, which is due to the formation of ureteral blood clots. Blood clots from renal cell carcinoma can form a ribbon-like shape through the ureter, and the degree of hematuria is not related to the size of the renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma sometimes presents persistent microscopic hematuria. Lower back pain is a common symptom, often an intermittent dull pain, usually due to the enlargement of the kidney tumor. When the tumor invades surrounding organs and the psoas major muscle, the pain is heavy and persistent.

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Written by Xu Chun Hua
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How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Hematuria, pain, and lumps are the main symptoms of kidney cancer. If one or two of these symptoms appear, the possibility of kidney cancer should be considered. About half of the patients are found to have incidental kidney cancers, also known as asymptomatic kidney cancers, during physical examinations through incidental findings on ultrasound or CT scans. Some may show early symptoms of metastasis making the diagnosis quite challenging. The preoperative diagnosis of kidney cancer relies on the results of medical imaging examinations such as ultrasound, X-rays, and CT scans. CT scans have a very high confirmation rate for kidney cancer and are currently the most reliable imaging method for diagnosing kidney cancer.

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Can kidney cancer patients eat sea cucumber?

Patients with kidney cancer can eat sea cucumber, but the amount should be determined based on individual conditions. It is recommended not to exceed 30-50 grams per day to avoid side effects. Consuming sea cucumber in moderation is advisable, as excessive seafood and high protein can increase the burden on the kidneys. Therefore, the specific amount should be determined according to the patient's kidney function, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels.