Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Knee replacement surgery is a common and effective procedure for individuals with severe knee joint pain and dysfunction. While the primary goal of knee replacement surgery is to improve joint function and alleviate pain, it’s important to consider its potential impact on other aspects of health, including kidney function. In this article, we will discuss the effects of knee replacement surgery on kidneys. We will also explore whether people develop kidney disease after knee replacement and the ways to monitor kidney health after the surgery.
Do people develop kidney disease after knee replacement?
It is possible that knee replacement surgery can have effects on the kidney. It is a major and serious surgery. People may develop kidney disease after the replacement. However, the risk is very low. Knee replacement surgery itself is not known to directly cause kidney disease. However, it’s important to recognise that any major surgery, including knee replacement, can put stress on the body and its organs, including the kidneys. The knee replacement surgery may lead to problems in daily life in some cases. The risk of developing kidney disease after knee replacement surgery is low, but it is not zero. The risk is higher in people with certain risk factors, such as age older than 65 years, preexisting kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking, use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), etc.
Research states that patients who undergo knee replacement face a risk of acute kidney injury that may be higher than previously thought. Additionally, the risk increases steeply if they undergo surgical revision to treat the prosthetic joint infection. Similarly, research also found 10% to 20% of patients who underwent knee replacement surgery were found to have a moderate degree of chronic kidney disease.
Factors such as anaesthesia, surgical stress, changes in blood flow, and fluid management during surgery can affect kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. While the risk of developing kidney disease solely due to knee replacement is low, individuals with kidney issues should be closely monitored before, during, and after the surgery.
How can you keep a check on your kidney health after knee replacement?
Monitoring kidney health after knee replacement surgery is essential, particularly for individuals with existing kidney conditions. Here are some steps to consider:
- Pre-Surgery evaluation: Before the surgery, your healthcare team should assess your kidney function through blood tests. This baseline information helps track any changes post-surgery.
- Fluid Management: Proper fluid balance during and after surgery is crucial. Adequate hydration is essential, but excessive fluid administration can stress the kidneys. Healthcare professionals will carefully manage fluid levels.
- Medication Review: Certain pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect kidney function. Your doctor will recommend appropriate pain management options that consider your kidney health.
- Post-surgery monitoring: After the surgery, regular follow-up appointments will include kidney function assessments and blood clot risk assessments. Blood tests to measure creatinine levels and estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) provide insights into kidney health.
- Healthy lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and blood pressure management supports overall kidney health.
- Consult a nephrologist: Individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should consult a nephrologist, a kidney specialist, before undergoing knee replacement surgery. They can provide personalized recommendations and closely monitor kidney function.
In conclusion, knee replacement surgery can affect kidney function due to the stress it places on the body, especially in individuals with existing kidney conditions. While the direct development of kidney disease due to knee replacement is rare, monitoring kidney health is crucial.
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