Diet After Kidney Removal

My uncle had to get one of his kidney removed. What should be the diet for him as he is not able to digest everything. Please suggest some foods and dietary tips
(October 26, 2010)

Diet After Kidney Removal

Kidney removal, known as Nephrectomy, is a type of surgery performed that removes part or all of a kidney. Nephrectomy is performed in three ways – partial nephrectomy, which involves removing only a part of the kidney; simple nephrectomy wherein the entire kidney is removed and radical nephrectomy, where the entire affected kidney, adrenal, and lymph nodes are removed. In certain circumstances, the patient may also need to undergo a surgery in order to remove both the kidneys; this is usually the result of severe disease. Kidney removals are usually required due to kidney cancer, birth defects, damage caused due to kidney stone infections, lack of proper blood supply to the kidney and consequent failure, or trauma to a kidney that is irreparable. This surgical procedure is also performed in someone who is donating a kidney.


The surgical procedure can take up to 3 hours.

In most cases, there are no specific restrictions with regards to what to eat after kidney removal. However, there are a few helpful tips you should keep in mind. Initially after kidney removal, you should consume liquids like water, broth, soda, and apple juice. Diet after kidney removal can slowly progress from clear liquids to regular diet depending on your food tolerance. It would be advisable to consume soft foods after kidney removal for a period of time. These foods include apple sauce, custard, ice cream, etc. However, this should only be consumed in the absence of digestion problems. If no digestive complications occur, you can then slowly progress to more solid foods rich in fibers. It is best to flavor food with lemon juice, herbs, pepper, and garlic instead of using soy sauce or salt. Intake of prune or orange juice is useful. Avoid having any canned, processed, or packaged food, as they may have a high salt content. Drinking and smoking should also be avoided, as this would slow down the body’s healing process. The most important part of your diet after kidney removal must involve drinking plenty of water through out the day. In addition, similar to the diet after gallbladder removal, you should keep a close check on the fat content in the foods you consume. Your diet overtime can include lean meat, and skinned and grilled fish or chicken. Eggs, soups, salads, and legumes are also extremely beneficial. Foods that you should avoid include fried foods, spicy foods, broccoli, beans, whole grain breads, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, peanuts, and pastries.  

• Bend your knees to pick up things. Avoid bending at the waist.
• Avoid too much use of the stairs.
• Do not drive for at least a month after surgery. Take a break, in case you drive. Long and continuous sitting is not allowed, as it increases the pain.
• Wash the area of incision with water and soap. Pat the area dry. Avoid bathing in bath tubs.
• Call the physician, in case of inflammation or redness in the area of surgery.
• Avoid all kinds of strenuous and heavy work. Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Return to a regular diet, in a gradual manner. This speedens recovery and also enhances the bowel movement.

Nephrectomy or kidney removal is a surgical procedure. It is a technique, which helps in the removal of a diseased kidney. The kidneys help in the filtration of wastes and metabolites. Long term damage of the kidney helps in the prevention of renal cancer. Generally, the surgery takes about one to four hours. Ice pack and hot compresses are useful after surgery. These help in elimination of pain and inflammation. Heating pads also help in healing of wounds. Certain deep breathing exercises are important, after surgery. These help in the prevention of any kind of infection in the lungs.
 
Normal eating pattern is resumed, when normal growling sounds are heard from the stomach. Liquids are the first options. Broth, soda, water and apple juice are provided in the initial stages. Advance from clear liquids to regular diet, based on the level of tolerance. Soft foods such as custard, ice cream and apple sauce are allowed, in case of absence of digestion problems. Return to a normal diet, in a gradual manner. A nasogastric tube is used in case of bowel problems. Keep a track of the liquid intake and output. About six to eight glasses of water is recommended, though guidance of your physician is necessary. Also, measure the output of urine. Stool softeners are used, in case of strain associated with bowel. Medications to prevent nausea are used to calm your stomach.

Increase the fiber intake. Orange and prune juice are helpful. Over the counter laxatives are taken, in case of severe constipation. High blood pressure is associated with nephrectomy. In such a case, opt for low sodium foods. Avoid processed and packaged foods. Canned foods are also avoided, as the concentration of salt is high. Other lifestyle modification, which are necessary after surgery are:

• Bend your knees to pick up things. Avoid bending at the waist.
• Avoid too much use of the stairs.
• Do not drive for at least a month after surgery. Take a break, in case you drive. Long and continuous sitting is not allowed, as it increases the pain.
• Wash the area of incision with water and soap. Pat the area dry. Avoid bathing in bath tubs.
• Call the physician, in case of inflammation or redness in the area of surgery.
• Avoid all kinds of strenuous and heavy work. Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Return to a regular diet, in a gradual manner. This speedens recovery and also enhances the bowel movement.