The Robotic Radical Nephrectomy and Nephroureterectomy

Comprehensive Kidney Surgery at UPNT

At UPNT, we lead the way in kidney surgery with our advanced robotic nephrectomy procedures. Utilizing the cutting-edge da Vinci Surgical System, our expert urologists offer a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery, ensuring better outcomes and faster recovery times.

In some cases, patients may require the removal of the ureter along with the kidney, especially in certain types of cancer. The ureter is the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder and must be removed in some types of cancer. This procedure is similar to a robotic radical nephrectomy but requires a catheter for several days post-operation to ensure the bladder heals up completely.

Your Journey: From Diagnosis to Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with a kidney condition that requires a radical nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy, UPNT is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Initial Consultation
After your diagnosis, you’ll meet with one of our expert Robotic Urologic Surgeons at UPNT.

During this consultation

We’ll review your medical history and discuss your symptoms.
Our surgeon will examine your imaging studies (CT scans or MRIs) in detail.
We’ll explain your condition and discuss potential treatment options.
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Determining Candidacy for Robotic Radical Nephrectomy or Nephroureterectomy

For patients who are not candidates for a robotic partial nephrectomy due to factors such as tumor size or location, a robotic radical nephrectomy is often the best option. This procedure involves removing the entire kidney and possibly the adrenal gland if the tumor’s position necessitates it. Additionally, some patients may require removal of the ureter if it is affected by cancer.
Factors considered include

Medical Clearance

Before proceeding with surgery, ensuring you’re in optimal health for the procedure is crucial.
Factors considered include
These steps help us minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for your surgery.
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Pre-Operative Preparation

Once you’re scheduled for surgery and medically cleared, we’ll guide you through the pre-operative process:

The Day of Surgery

On the day of your robotic radical nephrectomy
You’ll be admitted to USMD Hospital Arlington (most cases are performed here)
Our team will prepare you for surgery and answer any last-minute questions.
The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours, during which time your family will be informed of your progress.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After your surgery
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Follow-Up Care

Your care doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to:

Monitor your recovery progress

Assess remaining kidney function

Discuss pathology results

Plan any necessary future care or surveillance

Surgery Overview

Understanding The Robotic Radical Nephrectomy

The robotic radical nephrectomy is an advanced surgical technique used to remove an entire kidney. This procedure is essential for treating larger renal tumors or when preserving kidney tissue isn’t possible. Sometimes, it may also involve removing the adrenal gland or ureter if they are affected by cancer.

The da Vinci Advantage

The da Vinci Surgical System revolutionizes the surgical experience by enhancing precision and control. During a robotic radical nephrectomy, the surgeon sits at a console near the patient. This console offers an immersive 3D high-definition view of the surgical area, providing a clear and magnified perspective that enhances depth perception and detail.
The surgeon uses intuitive controls at the console to manipulate robotic arms positioned over the patient. These arms replicate the surgeon’s hand movements in real time, translating them into precise micro-movements of miniaturized instruments inside the body. The system filters out any hand tremors and scales down movements for greater precision, allowing for intricate surgical maneuvers that are difficult with traditional methods.
The da Vinci System ensures that every action is under the surgeon’s direct control, with built-in safety checks to prevent autonomous movement. This setup enhances surgical accuracy and provides patients with benefits such as reduced pain, less blood loss, lower infection risk, and faster recovery times. UPNT’s surgeons perform complex procedures with exceptional dexterity and control through this innovative approach, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients.

Benefits of Patients

Patients undergoing robotic radical nephrectomy at UPNT experience numerous advantages:

1

Reduced pain

A minimally invasive approach reduces postoperative discomfort.

2

Less blood loss

Precise control results in minimal bleeding during surgery.

3

Reduced risk of infection

Smaller incisions lower the chance of surgical site infections.

4

Faster recovery

Many patients return home after just a few days in the hospital.

Many of our patients express relief at how smooth the process is. One patient shared:
“From my first meeting with the UPNT team to my final follow-up, I felt informed and cared for every step of the way.”

The Robotic Radical Nephrectomy Procedure

Our skilled surgeons follow a meticulous process to ensure the best possible outcomes:
Patient positioning and port placement
Kidney exposure
Kidney removal
Final checks
Note

Why Choose UPNT for Your Robotic Kidney Surgery? Surgery?

At UPNT, we pride ourselves on offering:
Cutting-edge technology
We utilize the latest da Vinci Surgical Systems, including the daVinci Xi and DV5 platforms. Both enhance the surgeon's vision and improve the robot's mobility for specific port placement.
Experienced surgeons
Our urologists are highly trained in robotic techniques and have extensive experience since 2004, having completed over several thousand robotic kidney surgeries.
Personalized care
Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s needs.
Comprehensive support
From pre-operative counseling to post-operative care.
Our patients often comment on the personalized care they receive. Another patient noted,
“The UPNT team made me feel like I was their only patient.”
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USMD Hospital in Arlington Experience

Our partnership with USMD Hospital in Arlington enhances our ability to provide top-notch care. USMD Hospital offers state-of-the-art facilities with advanced robotic technology, where over 16,900 robot-assisted surgeries have been performed since 2003. This collaboration ensures patients receive high-quality treatment in a comfortable setting, benefiting from technical expertise and compassionate care throughout their surgical journey.
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Advancing Kidney Cancer Treatment

The robotic radical nephrectomy represents a significant advancement in kidney cancer treatment by providing effective tumor removal while minimizing the impact on overall health. Your UPNT surgeon will check your remaining kidney function after the surgery and occasionally involve a nephrologist to assist with your long-term care. Our expert team at UPNT will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the best treatment approach and follow-up management for your situation.
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Take the Next Step

If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition requiring a radical nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy, don’t wait to seek expert care. Contact UPNT today to schedule your initial consultation. Our compassionate team of Robotic Urologic Surgeons is ready to guide you through your treatment options and provide high-quality care using advanced robotic surgery techniques.

Remember, early evaluation and treatment are crucial in managing kidney conditions. Trust UPNT to provide you with the most advanced and effective care in robotic kidney surgery. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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