Maia Shibutani, pictured here competing with elder brother Alex at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, has left hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a kidney tumour ©Getty Images

Olympic figure skating medallist Maia Shibutani has left hospital after undergoing surgery to remove a kidney tumour.

The 25-year-old ice dancer, who won bronze at Pyeongchang 2018 with elder brother Alex, revealed on Instagram that she was discharged yesterday afternoon, three days after the operation.

"All of the messages of love and positivity have meant a lot and are so appreciated," Shibutani, a two-time United States national champion, wrote.

"Generally, things are moving in the right direction.

"I had to spend an extra night in the hospital following my surgery, but I was discharged yesterday afternoon.

"Unfortunately, the pain post-surgery has been worse than I anticipated.

"I've had my fair share of injuries in skating and I'm used to muscle and bone stuff, but this is different.

"It was explained to me that since I am young and in good shape, my muscles and nerves are really sensitive.

"Walking and making even smaller body movements is currently very painful and extremely challenging.

"It's been tough to not feel discouraged and weak, but focusing on gratitude has really helped.

"My parents are with me and Alex was able to support me through those difficult first steps."

Maia Shibutani revealed on Instagram that doctors had found a tumour on her kidney ©maiashibutani/Instagram
Maia Shibutani revealed on Instagram that doctors had found a tumour on her kidney ©maiashibutani/Instagram

She added: "I'm grateful for all of the messages of encouragement - I feel very cared for and supported.

"This recovery will take time and I'm still waiting on news, but I'm determined to come back stronger."

On Sunday (December 15), Shibutani posted a photo of her in a hospital bed after her operation.

She explained that she became sick in October and had to go to hospital in New York City.

It turned out to be a stomach virus, but doctors ran tests that showed an abnormality.

A follow-up appointment was recommended, and after an MRI scan in Los Angeles last week, a small mass on one of her kidneys was revealed.

The surgery was successful and she was able to keep the rest of her kidney.

Shibutani's doctor said there is a 60 per cent chance that the tumour was malignant and 40 per cent it was benign.

Maia and Alex Shibutani also helped the US win a bronze medal in the figure skating team event at Pyeongchang 2018.

Known as the "Shib Sibs", the pair have not competed since Pyeongchang 2018 and announced in May that they would sit out the entire 2019-2020 season.