How is kidney cancer approached with robotic surgery?
When we diagnose a kidney tumor in early stages (stage T1), the ideal is to remove only the tumor, preserving the rest of the renal unit.
What will the operation consist of? Can all kidney cancers be operated with this technique?
This surgery is complex and involves temporarily obstructing the renal artery, removing the tumor and reconstructing the urinary tract. All this is also done against time since the renal artery must be unblocked as soon as possible in order to restore blood flow to the preserved kidney. Thanks to robotic assistance, this technique can be performed on most renal tumors smaller than 7 cm.
Should the tumor be removed in its entirety?
There are times when there is no choice but to completely remove the kidney, but thanks to robotic assistance there are more and more patients in whom we can remove only the tumor, preserving the rest of the renal unit and thus reducing future complications such as cardiovascular problems, renal failure and dialysis.
What will the results and success rates be like?
The oncologic results are very good and comparable with open surgery techniques, but with the added advantages of avoiding large incisions, less pain, less bleeding, less time spent in the clinic and less need for second interventions such as the placement of a 2J catheter.