Should The Kidney Transplant Be Lumpy

Let’s talk about kidney transplant incisions. When you undergo a kidney transplant, one of the concerns after the surgery is how the incision will heal. A typical question that most patients ask is, Should the kidney transplant be lumpy?

You may be asking yourself, why the incision could be lumpy in the first instance. Well, the truth is that some lumpiness is quite normal. This is the place where the surgeon cuts to place the new kidney, and as the body heals, the skin forms a scar.

Take note that this scar may form a small scar around the incision. Kidney transplantation surgery is not the final step, as the body takes some time to heal.

What is a kidney transplant incision?

It is a surgical cut in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The kidney transplant incision is where the doctor places the new kidney. Normally, it is 4 to 6 inches long either with stitches or staples. In the surgery, the surgeon places the new kidney into the body and connects it to the blood vessels and bladder. .

Reasons for lumpiness in transplant incision

Swelling

It is not unusual to find the skin surrounding the incision area swell after a transplant surgery. This swelling at time forms lumps. After a while, the lumps will decrease when your body starts to recuperate.

Scar tissue

During the healing process, your body may produce excess scar tissue around the incision site. This scar tissue can feel lumpy when you touch it. However, it will soften and reduce with time.

Infection

Lumpiness around a transplant incision could be a sign of infection. If the lump is red, or if you feel pain in that area, you must consult with your healthcare provider immediately.

Poor wound care

Failure to dress the wound appropriately increases the chances of getting an infection or taking longer to heal.

Reaction to sutures

There may be an allergic reaction to the sutures used to close the surgical incision. They can cause pain or inflammation around the affected site.

Movement or pressure on the incision

Putting too much pressure on the incision site can create lumps. It is wise to refrain from putting pressure on the part of the body.

Keloids

In some cases, lumps around a transplant incision can be keloids; however, keloids are treatable in different ways, so consult your doctor if you think you are developing one.

Should The Kidney Transplant Be Lumpy?

The answer is no, the kidney transplant incision should not be lumpy. A smooth and flat incision is ideal for proper healing and to minimize scarring. It is important to monitor the incision closely and seek medical attention if you notice any abnormalities.

There are things one has to look out for at the site of the incision, and in case of any irregularity, it is vital to visit a healthcare provider.

When Is Lumpiness Normal?

Lumpiness is normal in some cases. If you have any of the below symptoms after a kidney transplant incision, you don’t have to worry:

Swelling

Swelling around the incision site is normal and can cause the area to feel lumpy. This is a normal reaction of the body to injury and should recover over time, especially following a surgical procedure.

Scar tissue

As the incision heals, scar tissue may form; there may be scarring of the skin, causing it to rise a little. This is a normal part of the healing process and should not be cause for concern so long as the patient is following the doctor’s prescription.

Fluid accumulation

There may be some swelling and tender lumps near the site of the incision, and sometimes fluid may form lumps around the incision. This is normally a temporary situation and may be alleviated with correct post-surgical care.

Infection

While some lumpiness is normal, it is vital to monitor the incision site for signs of infection. If you experience redness, warmth, or pus discharge, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Scar massage

As the incision site heals, gently massage the area that has become lumpy because it helps dissolve the scar tissue. Make sure to adhere to your healthcare provider’s guidelines on when to massage the area and how to do it.

When to Worry About Lumpiness

If you recently had a kidney transplant, then you may be concerned about the swollen feeling around the area of the incision. A certain amount of lumpiness can form during the healing process; however, you should worry when any of the following happens:

Timeframe

Lumps around the incision site may be normal at first, but, if the lumpiness persists after a few weeks, please see your healthcare provider.

Size and location

From the size and location of the lumps, you may be able to tell whether it is normal or abnormal. If the lumps are large, painful, or are getting bigger, it’s important to get them; you may need to check them out.

Redness or warmth

If the lumpiness comes with redness, heat, or soreness, then it may be that the lump is infected and should be addressed as quickly as possible.

Drainage or fluid

If you observe any fluid leaking from the lumps, it could a sign of infection or other complications. This is something that you should report to your healthcare provider as soon as you possible.

Fever or chills

When you have a lumps after a kidney transplant incision,  and you start to notice signs such as fever or chills, among others, it is important to visit a doctor without delay.

Read also: How To Sleep With A Kidney Stent

 

How to manage lumpy incisions

Treating lumpy incisions can be difficult to handle. Fortunately, several treatments can help you manage these annoying lumps on your skin. Here are tips to help you tackle the issue:

Keep the area clean and dry

As the incision was lumpy, it’s important to clean the skin around it frequently and make sure that it doesn’t come in contact with any water. Using a mild soap, wash the affected part thoroughly, avoiding vigorous application of pressure in washing the area. After that, pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Apply a warm compress

Placing a warm towel over the lumpy incision can help blood circulation and make the scar heal faster. To do this, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and apply it to the incision for 10-15 minutes; you can do this daily.

Massage the area

Gently massaging the lumpy incision can break up scar tissue and promote healing. Use a gentle circular motion with a moisturizing lotion or oil to help soften the skin and reduce the appearance of the lump.

Drink enough water and eat a healthy diet

It is a good idea to drink a lot of water and take enough vitamins and nutritious foods to help the wound heal faster. Oranges and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C, and they can help to improve skin health.

Consult a healthcare professional

If the lumpy incision does not improve or becomes painful, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment. They may recommend additional therapies, such as corticosteroid injections or silicone gel sheeting, to help flatten the scar.

FAQs

Q. Should the kidney transplant incision be lumpy?

A. No, the incision should not be lumpy. You should report any unusual bumps to your doctor.

Q. What does a kidney transplant incision look like?

A.The cut the doctor makes is like a straight line that may be one inch long or longer and usually requires stitching or stapling.

Q. What is the lump after a kidney transplant?

A. A lump could be a sign of a hematoma or infection that may be normal or abnormal. If abnormal, contact your doctor immediately.

Q. How do you know if your body is rejecting a kidney transplant?

A. Signs of rejection may include fever, swelling, pain, and changes in urine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Q. Why does my pubic area feel numb after a kidney transplant?

A. Numbness in the pubic area can be a temporary side effect of the surgery and should improve over time. If it persists, consult your healthcare provider.

Not all lumps after a kidney transplant call for a doctor’s attention. So, don’t panic!! It’s normal for the incision area to feel lumpy as the body heals.

These lumps form as a result of scar tissues beneath the skin. Most times, it is not painful and will go away. However, if you notice any signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately.