Could swelling be related to the surgery or this tumor & will laparoscopic surgery mess up my results?

Question

Nephrectomy after full tummy tuck with muscle repair - I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo 360 on 3/30/2023. Around month 7/8 post op I started experiencing a feeling of swelling under the navel up to right below the incision and it’s still a bother. I haven’t felt normal since. I just found out I have a malignant 5.7 cm tumor on my left kidney the dr wants to remove the entire kidney. I wonder if this swelling is related to the surgery or this tumor. Will a laparoscopic surgery mess up my results? I am very nervous. Any suggestions

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your concerns. Based on your history, the swelling you're experiencing could be related to several factors, including your previous tummy tuck with muscle repair and the presence of the tumor on your kidney. It's important to note that while swelling and tightness are common after a tummy tuck, persistent symptoms months after surgery may suggest other underlying issues. The tumor itself could potentially contribute to feelings of swelling or abdominal discomfort, as larger tumors can exert pressure on surrounding tissues or affect fluid retention in the area.

Regarding your upcoming laparoscopic nephrectomy, this procedure is generally less invasive than open surgery, and surgeons aim to minimize disruption to existing abdominal structures, including those altered during your tummy tuck. However, there is always a possibility that laparoscopic surgery could affect your results, depending on the surgical approach and how the instruments navigate the abdomen. For instance, scar tissue from your previous procedures could make access more challenging, and some post-operative swelling or changes in abdominal contour are possible.

To address your concerns, I recommend having an open discussion with your urologist or surgical oncologist and your plastic surgeon. Your urologist can clarify the surgical plan and its potential impact on your abdominal area, while your plastic surgeon can provide insight into how your tummy tuck may influence the approach to your nephrectomy.

Ultimately, the priority is removing the tumor to address your health. If your abdominal contour changes after the nephrectomy, revision procedures such as liposuction or scar revision may be options once you are fully healed and cleared by your medical team. Your nervousness is completely understandable, but with careful planning and collaboration between your surgeons, you can navigate this safely.

Good luck with your upcoming procedure, and I hope this helps address your concerns. When facing multiple surgeries, always ensure your surgical team works together to provide the best outcomes.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of all that you are going through.  Typically swelling from a tummy tuck is predominantly resolved by 6-8 weeks.  You are several months past that point.  I encourage you to closely follow the instructions from your specialists and update your plastic surgeon on your progress.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post photos, so I cannot be specific. However, you do need to deal with the kidney tumor first. Laparoscopic surgery will not be a problem with the tuck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment regarding the outcome of your tummy tuck, we need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you need a nephrectomy, then you need an nephrectomy and there isn’t much To discuss about that.
Laproscopic surgery should not have a major impact on your tummy tuck result.
I suggest you talk to the urologist or whoever is going to perform the nephrectomy what’s involved with that procedure.
From what you describe, my intuition tells me you may have an issue with excess visceral fat, and that can create symptoms after muscle tightening with a full tummy tuck unless the patient has successful weight loss.
Including before, and after pictures would allow us to begin to make an assessment.
I suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon regarding tummy, tuck issues and talk to your urologist about your nephrectomy.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Could swelling be related to the surgery or this tumor & will laparoscopic surgery mess up my results?

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Could swelling be related to the surgery or this tumor & will laparoscopic surgery mess up my results?

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