Robotic Surgery Effective in Partial Nephrectomy


Robotic partial nephrectomy involves using an advanced surgical robot to remove part of the kidney, usually the portion with a tumor. Initially, robotic surgery enjoyed tremendous success with surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy), but in recent years its usage in kidney operations also has yielded remarkable results. In fact, robotic partial nephrectomy has become the preferred treatment option for most patients with benign kidney tumors, small renal masses and early-stage cancer. During the procedure, tumors are removed with the least possible disruption of the rest of the kidney — a nephron-sparing approach that maximizes post-operative kidney function.

Why is the da Vinci surgical system suited for partial nephrectomy?

The da Vinci surgical robot provides superior maneuverability that is suited for the delicate slicing, cutting and stitching involved in the removal of a portion of the kidney. The surgical robot offers a three-dimensional view of the targeted area, allowing for a broader range of motion of the surgical devices. Urologists using the robot find it much easier to make the complex maneuvers required during the procedure.

Since it uses smaller incisions and doesn’t involve making cuts through bone or muscle, the da Vinci partial nephrectomy causes less scarring and minimal trauma to patients. The recovery time is typically only 2 weeks compared to the 6-8 weeks recovery time after open kidney surgery. Likewise, blood supply to the kidney is blocked for a shorter duration, leading to less overall blood loss and quicker recovery compared to laparoscopy.

How is the robotic partial nephrectomy performed?

During robotic partial nephrectomy, the surgeon makes a series of tiny incisions in your abdomen. The camera and robotic surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. To create enough room for manipulation of the surgical instruments and enable easy access to the cancerous tissue, the abdomen is inflated with gas (carbon dioxide gas). The doctor then moves the colon away from the kidney and trims off the fat covering the kidney to expose the kidney surface.

With the kidney exposed, the surgeon halts the blood flow to the kidney temporarily to prevent potential bleeding as the tumor is cut and the remaining portion of the kidney sutured together. At the end of the procedure, the urologist reconstructs the kidney, restores blood flow and then inspects the kidney carefully to make sure there is no bleeding.

Who should undergo robotic partial nephrectomy?

The da Vinci partial nephrectomy is the surgical treatment of choice for patients with smaller kidney tumors, usually not bigger than 4 cm in size. However, even patients with tumors ranging from 4 cm-7 cm also may undergo the procedure if they are to be treated in certain areas. Similarly, robotic partial nephrectomy is appropriate in cases where removing the whole kidney could trigger kidney failure or the need for dialysis.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we perform hundreds of robotic partial nephrectomy every year with amazing results for our patients. The procedure takes a short time, reduces the problems caused by benign or small kidney tumors and is effective in helping patients recover from kidney cancer. The minimally-invasive nature of the procedure guarantees less scarring, minimal trauma and quicker recovery for our patients. But we always ensure that patients are closely monitored for post-operative pain and complications, accomplishing cancer-free and happier lives for our patients. For more information on treatment of kidney cancer and other urological problems, visit our “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Talking With Your Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction

Do you struggle to have an erection when you want it most? Does your penis fail to get stiff enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse? Or does it get rigid only for a short while and then lose rigidity leaving you humiliated and apprehensive? You don’t need to worry too much if you have experienced this only occasionally. After all, almost every man has failed to achieve or maintain a good, rigid erection at some point in his life, particularly when stressed, tired, anxious or drunk. But if you have had frequent, frustrating and distressing failures to have or maintain an erection, then you may have a problem and need some sensible and sympathetic advice from a urologist.

Why Talk To a Urologist

Erectile dysfunction is a tough experience, but discussing it is even tougher and more embarrassing. You are likely to feel hesitant or scared to talk about ED with a doctor. But even with all the awkwardness you may feel in trying to open up and speak honestly about your erection troubles, talking to a urologist is probably the best step you can possibly make. A urologist is used to dealing with ED, perhaps attending to more than a half dozen cases every week. Your case would be just a routine matter to the urologist. More importantly, your erectile dysfunction may be the first sign of a very serious medical problem. A timely chat with a urologist can enable early diagnosis and treatment of a life-threatening condition.

Honest Useful Conversation

When you visit a urologist, you will meet a listening and caring professional dedicated to helping men have normal sex lives. The doctor will help you to explore the symptoms from when you first noticed changes in your erections to any medications you might be taking that could be causing your problem, your lifestyle habits and the severity of your symptoms. During this chat, being brutally honest and open with the urologist will ensure that the cause of your problem is figured out quickly and accurately. The physician also will conduct a physical exam focused on the health of your heart, nervous system, blood vessels and genitals, followed by appropriate urine and blood tests. The doctor then will be in a position to know the cause of your erectile dysfunction and to recommend the right treatment for you.

Exploring Treatment Options

Urologists are skilled in treating underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Peyronie’s disease or multiple sclerosis. In most cases, erectile dysfunction quickly resolves once the underlying cause is treated. Your urologist also may suggest lifestyle modifications such as reducing alcohol intake, losing some weight, stopping cigarette smoking and increasing physical activity to boost your recovery. But if these interventions do not work, the urologist may explore other treatment options, such as oral medications (like tadalafil, vardenafil or sildenafil), injectable medicines (like alprostadil), and vacuum pumps, and penile implants (bendable or inflatable). As a last resort, surgical repair (penile revascularization) of the veins or arteries of the penis may be considered.

No Longer a Secret

In the past, men didn’t have open and frank discussions about their erectile problems because sexual intercourse was often shrouded in mystery and secrecy. But with the availability of effective treatments for ED, that now seems imprudent. With the availability of innovative and highly effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, it is important to talk to your doctor about your problem and to know your options.

Are you having problems getting or maintaining an erection? Why not make a bold decision today to see a urologist? At Advanced Urology Institute, we offer cordial and compassionate consultations for men having erectile problems. Our skilled and experienced urologists will listen to you, do a thorough physical examination, run appropriate tests and diagnose your condition accurately. We have the necessary diagnostic tools to determine any kind of underlying medical conditions that may be causing your erectile dysfunction. Make an appointment now at AUI, have a candid chat with a urologist and have your problem fixed. For more information on the treatment of erectile dysfunction, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Webb McCanse Becoming a Urologist

Are you blessed with a great sense of humor? Do you have the courage to openly talk about sensitive and awkward issues? Or are you just interested in helping very sick people get better? If so, you are just like me and an ideal person to serve as a urologist. People feel uneasy about seeing urologists because the issues we tackle are in an uncomfortable area of the body. But as a urologist, you are always called upon to make patients open up and speak about their problems honestly. It is a challenging task, but one that is very satisfying. Who would not feel gratified and fulfilled after smashing the barriers that make people suffer silently from genitourinary disorders and help them to find relief from embarrassing symptoms?

Becoming a Urologist

The opportunity to work in the Navy was very attractive to me. So I pursued medicine as a path to serving my country. With the United States
Navy taking care of my fees, I completed my medical school training at the University of Kansas and joined the University of Nebraska’s Medical Center for a six-year urology residency. Upon completion, I served in the United States Naval Hospitals of Pensacola and Guam, with sporadic assignments in Cuba and Okinawa, Japan. Following a satisfying naval service, I moved to Advanced Urology Institute.

Areas of Expertise

My extensive training exposed me to a number of advanced technologies and medical procedures. I am an expert in minimally invasive surgical procedures, particularly laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery for a wide range of genitourinary disorders. At AUI, I see patients with urologic cancers (bladder, penile, urethral and prostate), kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, among other conditions. I no longer serve in the Navy, but I am still proud to serve my country by helping its citizens overcome some of the most painful and embarrassing conditions.

Job Satisfaction

Urology is a very interesting profession, with each day presenting new challenges. We educate patients on living healthy lives, achieving their goals and making informed decisions. The level of engagement with patients is just amazing. We get to know our patients, gain their trust and build enduring relationships with them. It is greatly satisfying to just be there for a person who is suffering but feeling embarrassed to discuss his condition. Then to be able to help him open up, discuss the symptoms freely and find relief just brings incredible joy. As a urologist, I am proud of my specialized role and am deeply contented, satisfied and fulfilled as a person.

Why Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute is a pool of like-minded and experienced professionals working through a collaborative, multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to deliver the best possible care to patients. Our job is not merely to diagnose and treat, but also to help people be proactive and take control of their lives. We consider the different patient needs, offer tailored consultations and treatments, and are always there for our patients. I love working at AUI because it offers the best opportunity for me to serve my country through timely, safe and effective urological care to its citizens. For more information on urological services offered at AUI, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.