Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
>> The length of time a recipient spends in the operating room varies
but generally, is between two to four hours.
The new kidney will be placed in the lower abdomen either on the left or the right side.
The existing kidneys, called native kidneys, usually aren't removed,
although they can be if they are causing problems.
A ureteral stent is a small soft tube about six inches long and about
as big as a coffee swizzle stick.
It is placed in the ureter, which is the muscular tube
that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Each end of the stent is shaped like a j or a pigtail.
The surgeon may place a ureteral stent during the surgical procedure
to help the body heal the connection between the kidney and the bladder.
The stent should be removed by the urologist between three to eight weeks following surgery.
After the operation, transplant patients must get out of bed
and walk three times each day beginning the day after transplant.
Walking soon after surgery will speed recovery in many ways.
It encourages an early return of your bowel functions.
It promotes effective breathing.
It mobilizes secretions from the lungs.
It improves circulation.
It prevents stiff joints, and it relieves pressure.
It is suggested you get out of bed and sit in your chair
to eat meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You will need your support person while you are hospitalized.
Patients recovering from surgery are not at the top of their game.
The support person can be helpful in assisting with the walking sessions,
being present at the learning sessions about how to care for yourself following discharge,
and learning about your medications.
Teamwork is essential.
So we encourage the patients and the support person to approach this as a team.
During your inpatient stay, you will be cared for by a team of professionals.
At times, it may seem confusing or overwhelming to have so many different caregivers coming
and going from your inpatient room.
Be assured, each team member has a specific purpose, and they are all working together
to provide you the best possible care.
The average length of stay for kidney recipients is two to three days,
and for pancreas recipients, it is four to seven days.
Prior to discharge, all patients receive training in how to care
for themselves following surgery, including wound care, nutrition, and medications.