Robotic Kidney Surgery
Robotic kidney surgery is a surgical method used specifically for the treatment of kidney cancer or kidney problems. This procedure is performed using robotic systems that are remotely controlled. The surgeon performs the surgery using robotic arms and instruments from the control panel located next to the operating table. Robotic surgery provides high precision and control, allowing the surgeon to make smaller incisions and cause less tissue damage. This surgery is usually performed using a robotic surgery system called Da Vinci Surgery. Robotic kidney surgery is also used to treat kidney tumors.
What is the method of robotic kidney surgery?
Robotic kidney surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery starts with four or five small incisions in the abdomen of the patient. Through these incisions, robotic arms and cameras are inserted. The camera provides three-dimensional images from the surgical field. The surgeon sees these images on the screen on the console and performs the surgery. Robotic kidney surgery may involve removing the entire kidney or only the part with the tumor. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, it is decided which surgery to perform. Although they are surgical procedures used to treat a pathology in the kidney, robotic kidney surgery and kidney repair should not be confused with each other. Robotic kidney surgery is usually used to preserve or correct the kidney, while kidney transplantation may be an option for patients with advanced kidney disease and unresponsive to dialysis treatment.
What are the Advantages of Robotic Kidney Surgery?
Robotic kidney surgery can be used to treat various kidney diseases such as kidney cancer, kidney cysts and kidney failure.
The advantages of robotic kidney surgery include
- Smaller incisions: It requires smaller incisions than traditional open kidney surgery. This speeds up the post-operative recovery process and allows patients to return to their daily activities faster.
- More precise and controlled surgery: Robotic arms are controlled using the surgeon's arms on the console. This allows the surgeon to perform surgery with more precision and control. This is especially important in complex surgeries such as kidney cancer.
- Reduced risk of bleeding and infection: Robotic kidney surgery carries less risk of bleeding and infection than traditional open kidney surgery.
- Shorter hospital stay: Patients undergoing robotic kidney surgery have a shorter hospital stay than patients undergoing traditional open kidney surgery.
These advantages make robotic kidney surgery a safer and more effective option than traditional open kidney surgery.
The Process of Robotic Kidney Surgery
Robotic kidney surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery begins with four or five small incisions in the abdomen. Through these incisions, robotic arms and cameras are inserted. The camera provides three-dimensional images from the surgical field. The surgeon sees these images on the screen on the console and performs the surgery. Robotic kidney surgery may involve removing the entire kidney or only the part with the tumor. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, it is decided which surgery to perform.
Here are the steps of robotic kidney surgery:
- The patient is given general anesthesia.
- Four or five small incisions are made in the abdomen.
- Robotic arms and cameras are inserted through the incisions.
- The surgeon performs the surgery using the arms on the console.
- After the surgery is completed, the instruments and cameras inserted through the incisions are removed.
- Stitches are placed at the surgical site.
The duration of robotic kidney surgery depends on the type of surgery and the severity of the kidney disease. Usually, the surgery takes 1 to 3 hours. Patients who have robotic kidney surgery recover faster than patients who have open kidney surgery. Postoperative pain is usually mild and can be controlled with painkillers. Patients are usually discharged one day after surgery.
What is the Recovery Process of Robotic Kidney Surgery?
Patients who undergo robotic kidney surgery recover faster than patients who undergo open kidney surgery. Postoperative pain is usually mild and can be controlled with painkillers. Patients are usually discharged one day after surgery.
Recovery after surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the kidney disease. In general, the recovery process is as follows:
- First few days after surgery: Patients stay in the hospital. During this time, they take painkillers and antibiotics. They also follow the instructions given by the doctor.
- 1-2 weeks after surgery: Patients recover at home. During this time, they slowly begin to return to their daily activities.
- 2-3 weeks after surgery: Patients return to their normal lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about robotic kidney surgery include the effectiveness and safety of the surgery, the details of the recovery process, the long-term results of the surgery and the risks of postoperative complications.
Is Robotic Kidney Surgery Painful?
Since robotic kidney surgery is usually a minimally invasive procedure, it is associated with less pain and discomfort compared to traditional open surgery. Since it is performed under anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the surgery. Postoperative pain is manageable for most patients and can be controlled with medication. Robotic kidney surgery is also one of the minimally invasive urological surgery applications. For surgery, which is generally preferred in the treatment of urological problems, specialist doctors should be consulted.
How long can I return to normal activities after surgery?
The time to return to normal activities may vary from patient to patient. However, kidney surgeries, which are usually performed with robotic surgery, can accelerate the healing process and allow the patient to return to normal activities earlier. Your doctor will tell you exactly when you can return to normal activities, as this time may vary depending on personal factors and the complexity of the surgery.
Are There Scars After Robotic Kidney Surgery?
Scars after robotic kidney surgery are usually minimal. Because robotic surgery is performed with smaller incisions, postoperative scars are usually too small to be noticeable. However, there may be differences in scars depending on individual situations. If you are concerned about scarring in the postoperative period, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will guide you on postoperative care.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
