Optimizing Early Recovery Through Timely Mobilization in Nephrectomy Patients: A Case Report

Nephrectomy, a surgical method involving the partial or complete removal of one or both kidneys, is performed if there is the presence of a tumor or many other reasons. In the above case, a 60-year-old female patient with a history of recurring symptoms, stomach pain, and fever, as well as a previous history of tuberculosis was brought to a tertiary care hospital. The patient underwent a left-sided nephrectomy. An X-ray and a complete blood count (CBC) were done during the investigations. Patients experienced various post-operative complications like respiratory discomfort, secretions, early fatigue, and intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW). The patient was referred for physiotherapy. Throughout the intervention, outcome assessments showed progressive improvement in lung capacity, inspiratory pressure, and quality of life scores. Goal-oriented physiotherapy was planned according to the severity of the symptoms of the patient. The physical therapy rehabilitation program in the above case was planned for six weeks focusing on symptoms like shortness of breath, early fatigue, secretions, respiratory discomfort, difficulty in maintaining good posture because of pain at the incision site, reduced mobility, and various post-operative complications. The study focuses on the efficacy of an integrated physiotherapy strategy in increasing lung compliance, secretion clearance, and overall respiratory health. Early mobilization strategies were crucial in reducing post-surgery problems, hastening functional recovery, and shortening hospital stays.