Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

What is a partial nephrectomy?

A robotic partial nephrectomy is an operation to remove a kidney tumour while preserving the healthy part of the kidney. This approach aims to treat the cancer while maintaining as much kidney function as possible.

Who may benefit?

It is commonly recommended for:

• Small kidney cancers

• Selected larger kidney tumours

• Benign (non-cancerous) kidney masses requiring removal

What happens during surgery?

Using robotic instruments, the tumour is carefully removed and the remaining part of the kidney is reconstructed.

Recovery

Most patients spend 1–2 nights in hospital. Light activities can usually be resumed within 2 weeks, with full recovery over 4–6 weeks.

Benefits

• Preserves kidney function

• Effective treatment for most small kidney cancers

• Smaller incisions

• Faster recovery

Risks

• Bleeding which may require further intervention or procedures to manage

• Urine leakage from the kidney

• Infection

• Need to remove the entire kidney if the tumour cannot be safely removed or excessive bleeding occurs