Discharge Instructions for Nephrectomy (Pediatric)

Your child had a nephrectomy. Here’s what you’ll need to know about caring for your child following surgery.

Incision care

• Most surgeries will be done laparoscopically. The incisions are sealed with a skin glue which will eventually fall off on its own. There may be a small gauze over the umbilical lap incision.
• Don’t let your child swim or sit in a bathtub or hot tub until the healthcare provider says it’s OK to do so. This helps prevent infection of the incision site.
• Allow your child to take showers as needed.
• Keep your child’s incision clean and dry. Clean the incision gently with mild soap and warm water. Then gently pat the incision dry with a towel.
• If there are white strips, don’t remove the white strips from your child’s incision. Let the strips fall off on their own.

Activity

• Don’t worry if your child feels more tired than usual. Fatigue and weakness are common for a few weeks after this surgery.
• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding activity. Your child’s activity should be limited at first, then gradually increased as he or she heals.
• Don’t let your child do strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or playing very active sports or games.
• Tell your child to stop any activity that causes pain.
• Let your child go back to school as soon as he or she feels ready.

Other home care

• Unless the provider says otherwise, encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Give your child water or other fluids every 2 or 3 hours as directed by the provider.
• Feed your child a normal, healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Feed your child high-fiber foods to avoid constipation. Also, use laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas as directed by your child’s healthcare provider.
• Give your child pain medicine as directed.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider, or as advised.

• Please follow up with a pediatric nephrologist (kidney doctor)