When there is a tumor on the kidney, either just a part of the kidney is removed (partial nephrectomy) or the whole kidney is removed (radical nephrectomy).

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is among the top 10 most common cancers diagnosed in both men and women. Each year, there are approximately 400,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide. Renal tumors are often found incidentally during imaging studies for unrelated conditions, and the incidence of kidney cancer has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.

Robotic partial nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove localized kidney tumors under a certain size while preserving the healthy portion of the kidney. During the procedure, the surgeon utilizes robotic-assisted technology to precisely remove the tumor, sparing as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. This is achieved through small incisions, allowing for enhanced visualization and precise instrument control compared to traditional open surgery.

There is approximately an 80% chance that the tumor is malignant if you have a small renal mass. Full pathology results are released in 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Recovery

Following robotic partial nephrectomy, patients typically spend 1-2 days in the hospital for monitoring and pain management. Most patients can resume normal activities within 2-4 weeks, although strenuous activities should be avoided for a longer period. Pain and discomfort are common during the initial recovery phase but can be managed with medication prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Robotic Radical Nephrectomy

Robotic radical nephrectomy is a surgical procedure utilized for the treatment of large kidney masses or tumors that have invaded surrounding structures and are not amenable to partial nephrectomy. While the overall surgical approach remains similar to robotic partial nephrectomy, the key difference lies in the extent of kidney tissue removal. In a radical nephrectomy, the entire affected kidney, along with surrounding lymph nodes and any adjacent tissues involved by the tumor, is surgically removed. This procedure is often recommended when the tumor is too large or has spread extensively within the kidney, making preservation of kidney function unfeasible. Despite the more extensive resection, robotic technology allows for precise surgical maneuvers and minimally invasive access, resulting in reduced blood loss, faster recovery times, and improved patient outcomes compared to traditional open surgery. As with partial nephrectomy, patients undergoing robotic radical nephrectomy can expect thorough preoperative evaluation, comprehensive postoperative care, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and ensure optimal outcomes.

Recovery

Recovery remains similar to partial nephrectomy. Hospital stay is usually one night. Discomfort or crampy pain can remain for up to one week following surgery, with full recovery expected within 4-6 weeks.

Risks

Risks of robotic surgery include those with any surgery: bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures. The above is only for medical information and does not constitute medical advice. Please contact your doctor if you have any questions.