How big is the incision for kidney donation?
During a living-donor laparoscopic nephrectomy, two or three very small incisions (ports) about 5 to 12 millimeters in size are used to insert the laparoscopic equipment. A slightly larger, 5- to 7-centimeter incision is made above or below the bellybutton for removal of the kidney.
What is laparoscopic donor nephrectomy?
In a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, a kidney is transplanted from a living donor to a recipient, the patient. Traditionally, a live donor nephrectomy required a healthy individual, the donor, to undergo a major operation where the kidney was removed through an incision in the side using a large incision.
What is a flank incision?
Flank Incision: Surgical Technique Dissect the external oblique muscle in direction of the muscle fibers just above the 12th rib. Transection of the internal oblique muscle perpendicular to the muscle fibers with electrocauterization.
What is the surgery like to donate a kidney?
Laparoscopy is the preferred method for kidney donor transplants. It involves the use of a laparoscope (wand-like camera) that is passed through a series of small incisions or “ports” in the abdominal wall (stomach). It is used to view the abdominal cavity and remove the kidney through a small incision.
What is the recovery like for a kidney donor?
After leaving the hospital, the donor will typically feel tenderness, itching and some pain as the incision continues to heal. Generally, heavy lifting is not recommended for about six weeks following surgery. It is also recommended that donors avoid contact sports where the remaining kidney could be injured.
How long is the incision for kidney transplant?
An incision about three to four inches long is made below the navel through which the kidney is removed. Removing the kidney this way means a hospital stay of one to two days, little pain and discomfort, and a return to normal activity within two to three weeks. The “open” procedure is the traditional method.
What happens after kidney donation?
What part is the flank?
The flank is the area on the sides and back of your abdomen, between your lower ribs and your hips. Pain in this area is called flank pain. Several injuries, diseases and infections can cause pain in the flanks. Flank pain can range from mild to severe.
How long does it take for a kidney donor to recover?
You’ll probably still have some discomfort for the next week or two, but you’ll get a prescription for pain medication to keep you comfortable. Full recovery takes time. You should expect to lay low for at least a month after you donate. You may need 6 to 8 weeks to fully heal.
Where is a kidney transplant scar located?
First, an incision (cut) is made in your lower abdomen (tummy), through which the donated kidney is put into place. Your own kidneys will usually be left where they are, unless they’re causing problems such as pain or infection.
What is recovery like for a kidney donor?
How long does kidney donor take to heal?
How long does pain last after kidney donation?
Your Recovery Your belly and side will be sore for the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. You also may have some numbness around the cut (incision) the doctor made. You may feel tired while you are healing. It may take 3 to 6 weeks for your energy to fully return.