The urinary system, including the kidneys.

Renorrhaphy is surgery to repair a kidney. You may need it done if your kidney has been damaged by a severe injury or trauma. In most cases, this is an emergency procedure.

The goal of surgery is to stop the bleeding, repair tissue damage, and save the kidney. Surgery may involve one large incision in your abdomen or a few smaller incisions. This procedure is often done using a robot.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.

  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

  • Any problems you or family members have had with anesthesia.

  • Any bleeding problems you have.

  • Any surgeries you have had.

  • Any medical conditions you have.

  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Your health care provider will talk with you about risks. These may include:

  • Infection.

  • Bleeding.

  • Allergic reactions to medicines.

  • Damage to nearby structures or organs.

  • Urine leaking into the abdomen.

  • High blood pressure (hypertension).

  • Nephrectomy. This is surgery to remove the kidney.

  • Pulmonary embolism. This is a blood clot that forms in the leg and travels to the lung.

What happens during the procedure?

  • An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.

  • You may be given:

    • A sedative. This helps you relax.

    • Anesthesia. This will:

      • Numb certain areas of your body.

      • Make you fall asleep for surgery.

  • You may have open surgery or minimally invasive surgery.

    • For open surgery, one large incision will be made in your abdomen. In most cases, it will be made along the side of your body.

    • For minimally invasive surgery:

      • A few small incisions will be made in your abdomen.

      • Small hollow tubes called trocars will be inserted into the incisions.

      • A small camera called a laparoscope and other tools for surgery will be put through the trocars.

  • The organs in your abdomen will be assessed for damage and bleeding.

  • The space that contains your kidney will be opened.

  • The blood vessels that supply the kidney may be clamped for a short time to control bleeding.

  • Any part of your kidney that cannot be repaired may be removed.

  • Bleeding and leaking urine will be controlled with stitches (sutures).

  • Tears, cuts, or punctures in the membrane that cover your kidney will be closed with sutures.

  • A type of bandage (dressing) that your body can absorb or a piece of tissue may be used to cover the sutures in your kidney.

  • A tube (drain) may be placed to drain excess fluid. The drain may start near your kidney and leave your body near the side of your lower back.

  • Any incisions in your abdomen will be closed with sutures and adhesive strips or skin glue.

  • A dressing will be put over any incision and the drain.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital.

  • You will need to rest in bed until there is no blood in your urine. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.

  • You should try to cough and breathe deeply.

  • You may still get fluids and medicines through an IV. The IV will be removed when you can drink fluids and return to a normal diet.

  • Once you are able to get out of bed, you will be encouraged to walk around.

  • You may have to wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.

  • Your drain may be removed after a few days.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.