Robotic Surgery for Kidney Cancer

Robotic surgery has been widely used in the treatment of kidney cancer in recent years. The fact that robotic surgery is much more advantageous than open surgery makes the treatment process more comfortable for both the surgeon and the patient.

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is defined as the loss of function and abnormal growth of cells in the kidney and may occur in different locations in the kidney. The formation of cancer in the kidneys, whose main function is to filter the circulating blood and convert waste materials into urine, and thus to balance the mineral ratio in the blood, does not give any symptoms in the early stages, and leads to the following complaints in the advanced stages:

• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Back and flank pains
• Mass formations in the abdomen or flanks

Although the factors causing kidney cancer have not been determined precisely, it is known that smoking, obesity and advanced age are among risk factors. In addition, the incidence of kidney cancer is higher in people exposed to various chemicals and in people who consume foods containing additives.

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

Today, radiological imaging systems are used in the diagnosis of kidney cancer. Tumor formations and cell status in the kidney can be evaluated through CT and MRI scans. In this process, virtual angiography may also be needed. Fine needle biopsy is also performed for definitive diagnosis and treatment planning of kidney cancer.

Treatment of Kidney Cancer Through Robotic Surgery

In the treatment of kidney cancer through robotic surgery, the tissues in the operation area can be zoomed in by means of a camera and a much more detailed evaluation can be made. Robotic radical nephrectomy (complete removal of the kidney) and robotic partial nephrectomy (removal of only the tumor while preserving the kidney) operations are the most frequently used treatment methods in kidney cancer in recent years.

Robotic Radical Nephrectomy

In the robotic radical nephrectomy operation, the kidney is completely removed. This method, which is generally used in cases of advanced kidney cancer, has a risk of injuring the intestine, but the postoperative recovery process is less painful and more comfortable, and it is possible to return to daily life in a short time.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Robotic partial nephrectomy is also defined as kidney-sparing surgery and only the tumor is removed. Robotic partial nephrectomy is usually performed in the presence of small tumors, in young patients, and in tumor formation in both kidneys.