Which of the following is a potential complication after a nephrectomy?

After a nephrectomy, hemorrhage is a notable potential complication due to the nature of the surgery, which involves the removal of a kidney. During this procedure, significant blood vessels are manipulated and can potentially be injured, leading to excessive bleeding. The kidneys have a rich blood supply, and if the surgical site is not adequately controlled for bleeding, it can result in hematoma formation or perpetuate bleeding into the abdominal cavity.

This makes hemorrhage a critical concern in the postoperative period. Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as hypotension or changes in hemoglobin levels, is essential for timely intervention.

While complications such as infection, hernia, and hypertension can occur in the postoperative setting as well, they are not as immediately associated with the surgical process of nephrectomy as hemorrhage. Infection, for example, is a more generalized risk for any surgical procedure, hernia is commonly related to abdominal surgeries, and hypertension can develop later due to changes in renal function or fluid balance. Therefore, focusing on hemorrhage highlights a direct and acute concern tied to the surgical technique and the anatomy involved in nephrectomy.