Blood Clots in Urine After Kidney Tumor Surgery: What to Know - Urology

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After undergoing surgery for a kidney tumor, the appearance of blood clots in urine can understandably cause concern for both the patient and their family. In your father's case, having had a Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery to remove a malignant tumor from the left kidney, there are several potential reasons for the blood clots in his urine.

1. Surgical Trauma: It's important to remember that any surgical procedure, including a nephrectomy (removal of the kidney), can result in some degree of trauma to the surrounding tissues. This trauma can lead to bleeding, which may manifest as blood in the urine (hematuria). Typically, this bleeding should decrease over time as the surgical site heals. However, if there is significant trauma or if blood vessels were inadvertently damaged during the surgery, it could lead to delayed bleeding.

2. Kidney Stones: Since your father has a history of kidney stones, it is also possible that the presence of stones could be contributing to the blood in his urine. Stones can irritate the lining of the urinary tract, leading to bleeding. If a stone has moved or if there are residual stones that were not addressed during the surgery, they could be the source of the bleeding.

3. Tumor Recurrence: While the possibility of tumor recurrence is a concern, it is less likely to present so soon after surgery, especially if the pathology report indicated no lymphatic or vascular invasion. However, it is essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence, and if there are persistent symptoms, further imaging or evaluation may be warranted.

4. Infection: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also cause hematuria. If your father has experienced any symptoms such as increased urgency, frequency, or pain during urination, it would be prudent to check for a UTI.
5. Other Causes: Other potential causes of blood in the urine could include benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older males, or other underlying conditions that may need to be ruled out.

Given these possibilities, it is crucial for your father to follow up with his healthcare provider. A urinalysis and possibly imaging studies (like an ultrasound or CT scan) may be necessary to determine the cause of the blood clots. If the bleeding persists or worsens, or if he experiences additional symptoms such as pain, fever, or changes in urinary habits, he should seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while the appearance of blood clots in urine after kidney surgery can be alarming, it is not uncommon and can result from various factors, including surgical trauma, kidney stones, infection, or, less commonly, tumor recurrence. Close monitoring and communication with his healthcare team will be essential in managing his recovery and addressing any complications that may arise.