Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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This page aims to explain the process of watchful waiting of a renal lesion or tumour.
The kidneys are a pair of organs located at the back of the abdomen which filter blood to remove waste products producing urine. The urine is carried from each kidney to the bladder via a tube called the ureter. When the bladder is full the urine passes out of the body through a tube called the urethra. The urethra opens immediately in front of the vagina in women and at the tip of the penis in men.
If you are diagnosed with a kidney lump (or tumour) the following information is important to know:
- Localisation of the tumour
- The estimated size
- Your age and co-morbidities
- Your current medications
- Your current kidney function
- Previous surgery on your abdomen / kidneys
- Involvement of renal vein, adrenal gland
What is Watchful Wait?
After a lesion in a kidney has been identified, usually on a CT scan, the scans are reviewed in the Specialist Renal Multidisciplinary Team Meeting and the specialist team will make recommendations of how best to manage the lesion.
There are several factors which are considered when choosing the right management plan for each patient such as:
• The patients age and co-morbidities
• The estimated size of the tumour
• Your current kidney function
Kidney lesions are typically slow growing. You have been assessed by one of the renal cancer consultants, and it’s their recommendation that it is not in your best interests to actively treat the lesion in your kidney.
Watchful Wait means that no intervention or follow up has been recommended, however, if you become symptomatic, such as pain or blood in the urine, you can contact the renal cancer CNS directly, and we will arrange a further appointment with one of the renal cancer consultants.
Useful Telephone Numbers/contacts:
Sister Jo Oakley Kidney Cancer CNS 0300 613 2426
Sister Kate Brown Kidney Cancer CNS 0300 613 5804
FRCC Senior Clinical Admin Officer 0300 613 4450
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Urology service.
About this information
Service:
Urology
Reference:
Z/054
Approval date:
1 August 2025
Review date:
1 August 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.