Pain and swelling after cryoablation on left kidney

Believe33
Believe33 Member Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2023 in Kidney Cancer #1

I had a cryoablation on my left kidney on March 24, 2023. A day or two after the procedure I developed a swollen bulge on my left side which was very painful to touch. I also had numbness in that area. The doctor gave me some pain medicine and ordered a CT scan. CT didn't show any bleeding or anything that would be causing the pain. Doctor thought the swelling was from a hematoma and would resolve itself with time. It is now more than seven weeks later and I still have pain and swelling in the area. The pain has gotten a little better but is still uncomfortable. The doctors aren't sure what it could be. They ordered an ultrasound of the area which didn't show anything except ascites from my liver disease - that is a separate ongoing issue. I saw some posts from 2016 where a couple people experienced the same swelling and pain but I didn't see the resolution. Has anyone else had a similar experience? If so, do you know what it is?

Comments

  • Ajayfee
    Ajayfee Member Posts: 1 Member
    #2

    My husband just had it done on May 17th 2023, same thing is happening to him swelling on right side it’s hard but no pain so far.

  • melissashawn
    melissashawn Member Posts: 1 Member
    #3

    I had cryoablation on my left kidney on 22 March and am experiencing the same. The bulge is on the left side of my abdomen. Two weeks post procedure my urologist couldn’t explain why this was happening but told me it should go away soon. It doesn’t seem to be improving. I’m seeing my GP next week and will be discussing with him to see if he will do a CT scan or something to make sure there isn’t anything else going on.

  • Believe33
    Believe33 Member Posts: 3 Member
    #4

    Mine isn't improving that much either but the pain has gotten a little better. I've had two GI doctors look at it and they don't know what it is. I had a CT scan and ultrasound that didn't show anything that would be causing the pain. Just have to hope that it will resolve itself. Some earlier post suggested it was nerve damage from the cryo, if so I guess it takes a long time to heal.

  • Believe33
    Believe33 Member Posts: 3 Member
    #5

    I found out what this is. My doctor told me that it is nerve damage that occurred during the cryoablation. One of the nerves that goes from my spine around to my abdomen muscles was damaged by the cold during the procedure. This has caused my ab muscle to weaken -- that's why I have a bulge. It will heal but it will take some time. It has already been four months and it could be six months or more. He prescribed Gabapentin to help with the pain.

  • electricwizards
    electricwizards Member Posts: 9 Member
    #6
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1707071#Comment_1707071

    I had a Partial Nephrectomy a week ago and also developed the “side bulge”….it’s also likely denervation unfortunately. I’ve read that there are some people who have had it shrink quite dramatically or disappear entirely (likely from the muscle atrophying). I am wondering how your progress has been since your last post? Thanks!

  • erict70
    erict70 Member Posts: 2 Member
    #7

    Hello. I realize you all discussed this quite a while ago but I am about to get Microablation on one of my kidneys to stop a tumor. I'm wondering if everyone's swelling has gone down on their back from the nerve damage I have been told is possible during the procedure and also, hows everyone doing? Was this the right choice?

  • electricwizards
    electricwizards Member Posts: 9 Member
    edited January 22 #8
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720441#Comment_1720441

    Hi Eric,

    Congrats on getting the operation done! My bulge or swelling took about a year to go away with significant improvements after the first 6 months. Now i just have a cool looking scar to look at the rest of my life when i'm shaving or brushing my teeth but the swelling is gone. Hope this helps!

  • erict70
    erict70 Member Posts: 2 Member
    #9
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720443#Comment_1720443

    Thank you for your response. I had the microablation four days ago and with the antibiotics I've been taking so far no infection. There's mild pain which is easing everyday and managed with over the counter pain med. No fever or any other.problems. I haven't had to take the heavy stuff that was prescribed for pain management and so far no swelling at all. Despite the initial procedure being uncomfortable and a few aches the last few days I'm glad I got this done. Better now at a 1.8 cm tumor than later.

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