Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
What are the benefits of robotic partial nephrectomy over open surgery?
Open surgery for treatment of kidney cancers often requires a large incision either in the flanks or abdomen. This is associated with significant pain and longer recovery time. Robotic surgery is performed via small keyhole incisions and subsequently patients experience lower pain, less bleeding and need for blood transfusion and faster recovery. Most patients will be discharged within 2-3 days after surgery and are able to resume normal activities within a few days following discharge from the hospital.
Robotic partial nephrectomy is a demanding procedure which requires dedicated training and experience. The hallmark of this operation involves achieving a negative margin of resection to maximise cancer outcomes and ensuring that there is no bleeding or leakage of urine after repair of the defect following resection of the cancer to minimise complications. Preservation of high volume of normal kidney while minimising the vascular clamp time are necessary factors, which maximise the preservation of kidney function. For this reason, urologists are often required to have additional training and practice to ensure optimal outcomes for their patients.
Dr Ahmadi underwent a dedicated 2-year robotic surgery fellowship and training under direct mentorship of Professor Inderbir Gill, one of the pioneers and the most experienced minimally invasive kidney surgeon in the world.