Surgery is a common and important part of treatment for many people with renal cell (kidney) cancer. Whether surgery is done to remove part of the kidney or the entire kidney, it can play a key role in controlling the cancer and supporting long-term outcomes. Because renal cell (kidney) cancer surgery involves the abdomen and surrounding muscles and nerves, some amount of pain or discomfort during recovery is expected, but oftentimes manageable.

Understanding the type of surgery you’ve had can help explain what your pain may feel like and how best to navigate it.

Types of kidney cancer surgery and how they may affect pain

Partial nephrectomy
This surgery removes only the part of the kidney containing the tumor, preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. Pain may come from the incision, muscle soreness, or internal healing near the kidney. Recovery can vary depending on whether the surgery was done laparoscopically or through an open incision.

Radical nephrectomy
A radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney and, in some cases, nearby tissue.Since this is a more extensive procedure, pain may feel deeper or last a bit longer as the body adjusts and heals.

Open vs. minimally invasive surgery

• Minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic or robotic surgery) often involve smaller incisions and may lead to less pain and a faster initial recovery.
• Open surgery requires a larger incision and may result in more soreness, stiffness, or nerve-related pain during healing.

Regardless of the approach, everyone’s experience with pain is different.

Managing acute pain right after surgery

In the days and weeks immediately following surgery, pain is usually related to the incision, internal healing, and changes in how your body moves.

Use medications as prescribed
Your care team may recommend a combination of pain relief options for discomfort after surgery. Taking medications based on the schedule your doctor prescribes can help prevent pain from becoming harder to control.

Take time to rest
Rest is a key part of healing. Avoid any strenuous activity and heavy lifting to help your body recover during this time. 

Support your incision
Try your best to relieve pressure on your abdominal muscles and avoid sitting up too quickly. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding pressure on the surgical area can also help.

Move gently and often
While you’ll want to avoid strenuous physical activity, gentle movement like walking as you begin to heal can reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and help prevent complications like blood clots. Try to incorporate steps into your day, even if it’s just around the house.

Managing longer-term pain after surgery

As healing continues, some people experience lingering soreness, nerve-related pain, or tightness around the incision. If you continue to have pain for three months or more after surgery, this is considered chronic pain that may be due to inflammation, tissue, or nerve damage.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, talk openly with your care team and write down your symptoms. Chronic pain isn’t something you have to push through and there are several ways to navigate your symptoms. Below are some strategies and adjustments your care team may suggest:

Physical therapy and gentle stretching
A physical therapist can help restore strength, improve posture, and reduce stiffness — especially after abdominal or laparoscopic surgery related to your kidney cancer. Even simple, guided stretching can ease tension over time. Your care team may also recommend a massage therapist.

Mind-body techniques
Practices like deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help calm the nervous system and reduce how intensely pain is felt. These techniques don’t replace medical care, but they can be powerful tools alongside it.

Medication
Depending on your pain levels, your care team may prescribe medication or topical creams that can alleviate pain. This can include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, lidocaine, and more.

Support emotional well-being
Pain is not just physical. Stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep can amplify discomfort. Counseling, support groups, journaling, or simply talking openly with loved ones can ease emotional strain and help your body recover more fully.

When to seek extra help

Reach out to your care team if pain:

• Worsens instead of improving
• Comes with fever, redness, or swelling
• Interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Feels sharp or burning

These symptoms may signal a need for further evaluation or a different pain-management approach. Remember, healing takes time and listening to your body is just as important as following your care plan.

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