How Does a Kidney Donor Recover From Surgery?
Recovery Time
The recovery period for kidney donors is much shorter than it was in the past, thanks to newer and less invasive surgical techniques. Donors can usually return to work and other regular activities in as little as two to four weeks after surgery.
The First Few Hours After Surgery
After the surgery is done, the donor is taken to a recovery room, where she will be monitored for complications. She will wake up in the room and rest for about three hours. If the donor experiences a lot of discomfort, pain medication will be given. Once the doctors determine that her condition is stable, the donor is transferred to a regular hospital room to finish recovering. The hospital room is often near the kidney receiver's room.
The First Day After Surgery
On the day of the surgery, the donor is not allowed to eat solid foods. Intake is limited to ice chips and clear fluids. A catheter that was placed in her bladder during the surgery is left in for the first day. The nurse will measure the amounts of fluids that the donor drinks and measure the amounts of fluids that are emptied into the catheter. By monitoring fluid intake and outtake, doctors can tell whether the remaining kidney is functioning properly. The nurse will administer pain and nausea medications when needed. A stool softener is also administered to prevent the discomfort associated with constipation. The donor is encouraged to walk around periodically. Walking speeds up the recovery process. Often she is allowed to walk to the room of the person who received her kidney and visit with them.
The Day After Surgery
If fluid outtake is normal, the catheter is removed the day after surgery and solid foods are allowed. As long as the donor is urinating and defecating normally and is not experiencing any health problems, she can be released from the hospital and go home the day after surgery. If the donor is having any health problems, she might have to stay in the hospital for a few more days.
Going Home
When the donor is released from the hospital, she is given pain medication and stool softeners to take when needed. Usually a normal diet is allowed. After going home, the donor will gradually recover over the next two to four weeks until she experiences no more pain. The donor will have a follow-up appointment with the doctor a week or two after the surgery to make sure her kidney is functioning properly. The remaining kidney will function for both kidneys. The kidney may enlarge slightly as a result of the extra work. This is normal and not a concern. After recovery, the donor can live a healthy and normal life.
