How does Robotic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy Work?
Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure that’s usually performed in people with kidney cancer or a diseased kidney. It’s also performed to take the healthy kidney out for transplantation. The surgery can be performed as an open surgery or robot-assisted nephrectomy.
The latter is a more preferred, less-invasive, and an advanced surgical procedure. Whether you need robotic partial nephrectomy (removing a portion of the kidney) or complete kidney removal, it’s important to consult an experienced surgeon who’s familiar with robotic technology. Here’s all you should know about robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.
What is Partial Nephrectomy?
If only a portion of your kidney is damaged, your surgeon might recommend removing the diseased part while leaving the remaining healthy kidney intact. This preserves your kidney function and might eliminate the need for transplantation.
In a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, a surgeon uses robotic arms to make precise cuts through small holes. The surgery results in lesser blood loss, lower risk of complications, and greater precision. This ensures faster recovery.
When is Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Needed?
Nephrectomy (whether partial or complete) is recommended when a patient is diagnosed with kidney cancer or has a non-cancerous mass that could be affecting their kidney function. If you have a kidney tumor less than 4 cm, you might be a good candidate for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.
It’s also a highly recommended procedure for patients who want a less-invasive surgical procedure to remove part of the kidney. Patients with advanced-stage kidney cancer or other medical conditions might be unfit for the surgery.
Advantages of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy
Here are the benefits of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy:
Better Precision
Robotic tools offer better precision compared to humans. They offer a wider range of movements and can make precise cuts. This is particularly beneficial for patients opting for partial nephrectomy, as the robot’s precision ensures that only the damaged tissues are removed. Besides, the 3D view of the patients’ internal organs makes the surgery more effective and easier for the surgeon.
Faster Recovery
The surgery involves fewer and smaller incisions than a traditional open nephrectomy, which means you can expect a quicker recovery. Compared to a 6-12-inch long incision in an open surgery, robot-assisted nephrectomy involves 2-3 tiny holes that are less than an inch long. It also makes an excellent choice for patients who do not want a large scar for cosmetic reasons
Less Blood Loss
Excessive blood loss during open surgery can lead to the requirement for blood transfusion and a slower recovery. With a robot-assisted procedure, the risk is significantly reduced. Smaller surgical holes with the robot’s precision prevent unnecessary damage to the blood vessels, leading to comparatively lesser blood loss than traditional surgery.
Lesser Pain
Robot-assisted nephrectomy doesn’t cause severe tissue or nerve damage, which explains the lesser pain after the surgery. Unlike open surgery, you may not need to rely on heavy pain-killers in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.See the best kidney cancer surgeon in Navi Mumbai to discuss the risks and benefits of robot-assisted nephrectomy. They will help you prepare for the procedure.
