Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy
What is Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy?
Robotic partial nephrectomy surgery consists of removing a part of a kidney, to treat cancer by preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
Who needs a robotic partial nephrectomy?
-Patient with small kidney tumor (<4 cm in size).
-Patient with risk of kidney failure and the need of dialysis when the procedure consists of removing all the kidney.
Kidney Tumors between 4 and 7 centimeters can be treated with robotic partial nephrectomy if they are located in certain areas.
Some Tips before the surgery:
-Stop taking blood thinners 5 to 7 days before the surgery.
-Anti-inflammatory medications and certain vitamin supplements can cause increased bleeding, so the surgeon and the anesthetist should be informed about all your medications.
-It’s very necessary to stop smoking few days before the procedure.
-Not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, to prevent anesthesia complications.
During a robotic partial nephrectomy:
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, by making small cuts in the abdomen; so the robotic surgical equipment and camera can be inserted.
Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdominal cavity to leave space for the manipulation of the surgical equipment and camera to access the cancerous tissues.
While the surgeon is performing the procedure by manipulating the robot, the blood flow to the cancerous kidney is totally stopped; so the kidney can be dissected and the cancerous portion is detached from the tissue. The tumor is totally removed from the body and the surgeon sews the remaining section of the healthy kidney.
After a robotic partial nephrectomy:
– Take analgesics to reduce post-operative pain.
-Walk after a few days of surgery to promote good blood circulation and prevent pneumonia.
-Start with a liquid diet for a few days after the operation.
Robotic partial nephrectomy VS Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Robotic partial nephrectomy is more efficient than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy because the da Vinci surgical system has a lot of advantages.
Follow the link for more information about the difference between robotic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Robotic-assisted right partial nephrectomy for a complex 8 cm tumor impinging on the collecting system in an elderly patient with chronic renal insufficiency (eGFR of 40 mL/min)