Our Summary

This research compared the outcomes of kidney removal surgeries (donor nephrectomy) performed using a robot with those performed using a traditional laparoscopic method. The study looked at 58 surgeries done by two doctors between 2015 and 2019.

The results showed that the robotic and traditional methods were quite similar. The amount of blood lost during surgery, the time patients stayed in the hospital, and the change in kidney function after surgery were all about the same for both methods.

However, surgeries using the robotic method took a bit longer overall and the time it took to restore blood flow to the kidney (warm ischemia time) was also longer. These surgeries were also more likely to be performed on the right kidney and in cases where the patient had multiple blood vessels in the kidney.

There was one complication with the robotic method, but none with the traditional method.

Despite these differences, the study concludes that the robotic method is safe and has similar outcomes to the traditional method. The longer surgery times for the robotic method were likely due to the doctors learning to use this new technique. As they got more practice, the surgery times got closer to those of the traditional method. The robotic method was also able to safely complete more complex surgeries.

FAQs

  1. How did the outcomes of kidney removal surgeries performed using a robot compare to those performed using a traditional laparoscopic method?
  2. What differences were noted in the surgeries performed using the robotic method compared to the traditional method?
  3. Is the robotic method for kidney removal surgeries considered safe and effective based on the study’s findings?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic nephrectomy is to discuss the various surgical methods available, including robotic-assisted surgery. Patients should be aware that while robotic-assisted surgery may take longer and have a slightly longer warm ischemia time, it is still a safe and effective option with similar outcomes to traditional laparoscopic surgery. Patients should also be aware that as surgeons gain more experience with robotic-assisted surgery, the surgery times may decrease and become more comparable to traditional methods. It is important for patients to have a thorough discussion with their doctor about the different surgical options available and to weigh the benefits and potential risks before making a decision.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic nephrectomy include those with renal tumors, kidney stones, kidney cysts, or kidney donation for transplantation. Additionally, patients with conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, kidney infections, or kidney trauma may also be candidates for this minimally invasive surgical procedure. In some cases, laparoscopic nephrectomy may be recommended over open surgery due to its shorter recovery time, reduced pain, and lower risk of complications.

Timeline

In summary, before the laparoscopic nephrectomy, the patient would have undergone testing and evaluation to determine the need for surgery. The surgery would then be scheduled, and the patient would be instructed on pre-operative preparations such as fasting and medication adjustments.

During the surgery, the patient would be under general anesthesia and small incisions would be made in the abdomen to insert the laparoscopic instruments. The kidney would be carefully removed using either the traditional or robotic method.

After the surgery, the patient would be monitored closely for any complications and would typically stay in the hospital for a few days for recovery. Pain medication and instructions for post-operative care would be provided. Follow-up appointments would be scheduled to monitor healing and kidney function.

Overall, the laparoscopic nephrectomy is a safe and effective procedure for kidney removal, with outcomes that are comparable between the traditional and robotic methods.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic nephrectomy include:

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic nephrectomy compared to traditional open surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic nephrectomy?
  3. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic nephrectomy procedures?
  4. What is the recovery time expected after laparoscopic nephrectomy?
  5. Will I need any special follow-up care or monitoring after the surgery?
  6. How will my kidney function be affected after the surgery?
  7. Are there any specific criteria that make me a better candidate for laparoscopic nephrectomy?
  8. Will I have a choice between robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy and traditional laparoscopic nephrectomy?
  9. What is the success rate of laparoscopic nephrectomy in terms of removing the kidney effectively and safely?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes I should follow before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Giffen ZC, Cairl N, Ortiz J, Sindhwani P, Ekwenna O. Journal: Surg Technol Int. 2020 Nov 28;37:171-174. PMID: 32520390