Physical and psycho-social impact of bilateral nephrectomy

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted at the renal unit of "Arab Contractor Medical Center" on 10 uraemic patients on regular haemodialysis [12 h/w] following bilateral nephrectomy to determine the physical and psycho- social impact of such an operation on these patients when planning their nursing care and prepared them for later kidney transplantation. Data were collected for a three month period pre and postoperatively, which included blood pressure, dry body weight "the flesh weight", weight between dialysis setting "fluid retention", serum creatinine, serum potassium and hematocrit values. The psycho-social aspects were evaluated through an interview and psychometry [Taylor anxiety scale]. The results showed no significant difference for all the previous parameters except the systolic blood pressure [Pre and post dialysis] Which showed significant decrease post operatively and serum potassium level which shoed significant rise post operatively. Some of the patients were worried about the operation and had anxiety and apprehension regarding their mysterious FUTURE without their kidneys others expressed their denial about the operation with variable behavioral changes with significant decrease of anxiety level postoperatively