Robotically Assisted Nephrectomy

Robotically Assisted Partial and Radical Kidney Removal

If your doctor recommends a nephrectomy to treat a kidney cancer such as renal cell carcinoma, minimally invasive robotic surgery may be an option.

At Scripps Health in San Diego, specially trained urologic surgeons have the skills needed to perform the following robot-assisted procedures:

• Partial nephrectomy – Removal of a kidney tumor while sparing healthy renal issue
• Radical nephrectomy – Removal of the entire kidney

Using small incisions, precision instruments and a high-definition camera, robotic surgery can help to overcome the limitations of both conventional laparoscopic and traditional open surgery.

Robotic surgical assistance may not be practical or necessary for all people who undergo a nephrectomy, but can have advantages in select situations. Like all surgical operations, robotic assisted procedures have risks and benefits that should be weighed carefully with your physician.