Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

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Today, better early kidney tumor detection has increased the number of patients who can benefit from partial nephrectomy (also called kidney-sparing surgery), including robotic procedures.

In the past, tumors often were not detected until they reached a stage where patients experienced one or more of the classic symptoms of pain, blood in the urine, or an abdominal mass. In those advanced cases, open kidney removal surgery often was required.

Today, kidney tumors are routinely detected early, during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT) scan, or abdominal ultrasound being performed for other conditions. In fact, Mayo Clinic surgeons perform 70 percent of kidney procedures because of kidney masses found incidentally.

Kidney-sparing (nephron-sparing) procedures have been refined over the past 30 years to include more minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomies.

Robotic partial nephrectomy offers effective protection against cancer recurrence for patients with small, localized solid masses and no other complications.

Robotic partial nephrectomy can help preserve long-term kidney function, which is a significant benefit if you only have one kidney or a kidney with diminished capacity. Successful partial nephrectomy can help patients avoid dialysis treatment and/or a transplant.

Robotic partial nephrectomy poses risks common to any surgery, including post-operative bleeding. Mayo Clinic physicians and surgeons have extensive experience and expertise that helps limit such risks. In general, the advanced precision made possible through robotic partial nephrectomy typically means less bleeding than for other open surgical approaches.

Surgical complications are rare, but as with any surgical procedure, robotic partial nephrectomy has some risks. You should consult with your physician to determine possible risk factors and familiarize yourself with potential complications that can occur during surgery.

After surgery, you'll be monitored closely to ensure normal urinary function and to guard against any possible complications from blood clots or infection. Learn more about what to expect prior to and after surgery.

With complex surgeries, or when a large amount of kidney tissue is removed, patients may not retain adequate kidney function, and may need to rely on dialysis.

Generally, however, post-surgical risks associated with robotic partial nephrectomy are minimal.