Robotic Kidney Surgery (The James)

Robotic Kidney Surgery (The James)

 

Robotic kidney surgery uses a computerized robotic system to remove all or part of your kidney or repair the drainage system of your kidney. This robotic system is called the da Vinci Surgical System. A robotic system lets your doctor do your surgery with less damage to your body. This is called minimally invasive surgery.

 

What is a robotic surgical system?

A robotic surgical system is made up of 3 major parts:

  • A high definition 3-D (dimensional) camera, called a laparoscope lets your surgeon view the area inside your body.
  • Tiny robotic arms with small surgical tools. The robotic arms are put in your body through small incisions on your abdomen (belly). Your surgeon controls the robotic arms to do your surgery.
  • A special worktable lets your surgeon controls the camera and robotic arms and tools.

 

How is a Robotic Kidney Surgery done?

You will be placed on your side on the surgery table, laying on the opposite side of the kidney being removed. Small surgical incisions (cuts) will be made on your abdomen (belly). A small plastic tube called a port is put into each incision. The ports are used to keep your incision open. The ports will be used to insert gases to expand your abdomen and make space for the small instruments. The small camera and robotic arms are put through the ports. From the worktable, your surgeon moves the camera and the robotic arms to do your surgery.

 

Will I be asleep for this surgery?

You will have anesthesia medicine and will be asleep during surgery.

 

How long will the surgery take?

Your surgery can take 3 to 5 hours. You may be in the recovery room for 2 hours or longer after your surgery.

 

What happens when the surgery is over?

At the end of your surgery, the camera and robotic arms are taken out of your body. Your surgeon will close your incision holes with stitches (sutures) or surgical glue. You will go to the recovery room and stay until you are awake and stable. Your nurse will watch to make sure your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels are good. The gases used to expand your abdomen may irritate a nerve and cause pain in your shoulder. Walking and moving around after surgery will help you recover more quickly.

 

Why is this type of surgery better for me?

With minimally invasive surgery you have:

  • Less blood loss during surgery
  • Smaller surgical incisions
  • Less pain after surgery
  • A shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery and return to your normal activities

 

How long will I stay in the hospital?

With this surgery, you will be released from the hospital within 24 hours.

 

Are there any risks with surgery?

There are risks for any type of surgery. Your doctor will go over the risks with you before your surgery.

 

 

© September 22, 2021. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.