Robotic Nephrectomy
A robotic nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgery in which a kidney is removed using a robotic surgical system (commonly the da Vinci system). It can be performed as either:
- Radical nephrectomy → removal of the whole kidney (sometimes including adrenal gland and surrounding fat/tissue).
- Partial nephrectomy → removal of just the tumor or diseased portion of the kidney, preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
Indications
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) – most common reason
- Benign kidney tumors that are large or symptomatic
- Severely damaged/nonfunctioning kidney (e.g., from chronic infection, obstruction, or trauma)
- Living kidney donation (donor nephrectomy)
Advantages of Robotic Approach
- Smaller incisions, less scarring compared to open surgery.
- Lower blood loss and reduced need for transfusions.
- Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
- Enhanced precision and dexterity compared to standard laparoscopy.
- Better outcomes for partial nephrectomy, where fine suturing is crucial.
Recovery
- Hospital stay: 2–4 days (sometimes 1–2 for donor nephrectomy).
- Return to activities: Light activity in ~2 weeks; full recovery in 4–6 weeks.
- Lifelong monitoring of kidney function (especially if only one kidney remains).
In summary: Robotic nephrectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for removing a kidney (or part of it), offering faster recovery and less pain compared to open surgery, especially beneficial for partial nephrectomy where robotic precision improves outcomes.