Robotic Kidney Surgery: Advanced Technological Kidney Treatment

Robotic Kidney Surgery is an advanced method for safer, faster and more efficient surgical treatment of cancer and other kidney problems. 

Katelaris Urology is committed to providing the best solutions to patients in our care. Leading the way in radical Nephrectomy Sydney, our team uses robotics to reduce manual error and time at the operating table, resulting in greater patient outcomes and accuracy for the surgeon.

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What is Robotic Kidney Surgery? 

Traditionally, a patient with kidney cancer would undergo open surgery, a procedure that requires a large incision in the abdomen before the surgeon can operate. While necessary in many cases to effectively treat kidney cancer, open surgery often results in excessive blood loss, post-operative pain and a lengthy recovery period – plus, there is an increased risk of complications occurring during the procedure. 

Instead, robotic surgery for kidney cancer presents a more precise and less invasive surgical procedure for the patient. Using high-definition imaging and surgical instruments, the robot – guided by a skilled surgeon – can work with accuracy to create a much smaller incision, reducing the time and pain associated with traditional methods for treating kidney issues, including cancer. Full removal of a kidney – called Nephrectomy – is also possible thanks to this advanced technology, although partial Nephrectomy is more common to remove cancer tumours.

Incisions for robotic kidney surgery

Benefits of Robotic Kidney Surgery 

  • Enhanced visualisation through HD technology, allowing for increased precision when locating and removing tumours 
  • A smaller incision into the patient’s body – reducing the scarring and postoperative pain associated with kidney surgery 
  • Reduced blood loss during and after the surgical procedure 
  • Less time in surgery and in post-operative recovery 

When is Robotic Kidney Surgery recommended?

Nephrectom

Robotic Kidney Surgery is particularly useful for performing a partial Nephrectomy procedure. Patients suitable for partial Nephrectomy are those who have a kidney cancer of a relatively small size, which is located in the upper or lower pole of the kidney. Partial Nephrectomy enables the amputation of the affected part of the kidney while typically preserving between 60 and 80% of normal kidney tissue.

Pyeloplasty

Robotic kidney surgery is also suitable for performing minimally invasive Pyeloplasty, a procedure for repairing an obstructed pelvic ureteric junction (which controls the outflow of urine from the kidney). 

Katelaris Urology will always recommend the most suitable treatment after a full consultation and based on a diagnosis, severity of the condition and patient circumstances. 

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What to Expect After Robotic Kidney Surgery? 

Physical Activity  

After kidney robotic surgery, patients are advised to: 

  • Avoid strenuous activity, including sports, for six weeks 
  • Hold off on any return-to-work plans for at least four weeks 
  • Avoid driving a car for two weeks, particularly if taking post-surgery painkillers 

Medication  

  • Most patients do not require prescription medication after kidney robotic surgery 
  • Paracetamol or similar painkillers for patients feeling slight discomfort 
  • Patients can resume taking any regular medication immediately after surgery 

Side effects  

The side effects associated with kidney robotic surgery are minimal. In some cases, bleeding can occur at the incision site – if this happens, patients are recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. Other common side effects include urine leakage, fever (usually for one or two days)  

Katelaris Urology: Leaders in Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Sydney  

Katelaris Urology are leaders in robotic Partial Nephrectomy and robotic Pyeloplasty Sydney, experienced in completing surgical kidney treatments with precision and care for optimum patient outcomes. 

Are you looking for robotic kidney cancer treatment Sydney? 

Book an appointment  with Dr Katelaris today – call (02) 9477 7904

FAQs

Traditionally, partial nephrectomy is performed via a large flank incision that requires an in-patient stay of 7 to 10 days. Robotic partial nephrectomy Sydney generally facilitates discharge after 2 to 3 days and a patient returning to their normal routine in less time. 

The robotic kidney surgery procedure takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete. Using advanced technology, the surgery can be completed with more accuracy and a smaller body incision, reducing blood loss, risk of complications and pain.  

While traditional open kidney surgery is a highly successful procedure, the robotic method means a smaller incision – which means fewer complications, loss of blood and post-operative pain for the patient. For these reasons, and in the correct circumstances – for example, to remove a small cancer tumour in the upper pole of the kidney – robotic kidney surgery is the recommended procedure.