Robotic/Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Kidney Cancer
Stanford surgeons are using cutting-edge technology to perform
robotic partial nephrectomy, a delicate procedure used to treat kidney
cancer. The robot allows the surgeon to have a three-dimensional (3-D)
view of the surgical field, at a greatly increased magnification, up
to 15 times greater than the human eye. Fine articulating instruments,
under the command of the surgeon, are used to precisely remove the
tumor alone and preserve the remaining kidney. The surgery can be
performed using very small incisions, greatly decreasing recovery
time, reducing pain and minimizing scarring. This allows for patients
to return to their daily lives with a minimum of inconvenience,
despite having undergone major surgery.
Advantages of robotic partial nephrectomy
Kidney specialists are gaining greater understanding of the benefits
of partial nephrectomy. Not only does it decrease the risk of future
kidney failure, but can also improve health in other ways, such as in
preventing future cardiovascular disease. Although the surgery is
technically more challenging, Stanford surgeons have extensive
experience in performing robotic partial nephrectomy, with a low
overall complication rate. Stanford researchers have (link here) shown
that there is an improved quality of life due to decrease in risk from
other comorbid conditions, and demonstrated equivalent safety and
outcomes to traditional procedures.
How is the procedure performed?
At Stanford, several tools are used to ensure complete removal of
the tumor. First, intraoperative ultrasound is used to confirm the
site of the tumor and help guide the resection by accurate imaging of
the tumor with an ultrasound probe. A special dye is used to help
differentiate tumor from normal kidney to ensure that as much normal
kidney is saved as possible. When the tumor is removed, it is sent to
the pathologist to ensure the entire tumor was removed with no
residual tumor left behind on the kidney prior to completing the surgery.
Laporascopic or open radical nephrectomy
Occasionally, not all kidney tumors are amenable to sparing the
kidney, usually given the size of the tumor, but also due to location.
In these situations, the recommended treatment is laparoscopic radical
nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney) or an open radical
nephrectomy. Most tumors are amenable to removal with laparoscopic
means, but the overall size of the tumor can impact the ability to
successfully remove the kidney with minimally invasive approaches.