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Robotic surgery guide
Robotic nephrectomy
Removal of a kidney through small incisions — for a kidney cancer that cannot be treated by removing part of the kidney, or for a kidney that no longer works and causes problems.
Illustration: BruceBlaus, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Surgery time
About 2–4 hours
Hospital stay
Usually 1–2 nights
Catheter
Usually 1 day
Back to desk work
Usually 2–4 weeks
Typical ranges for most patients. Your own plan may differ — Dr. Pooli will review what to expect with you.
Who it’s for
Radical nephrectomy is used for larger kidney cancers, or tumors in a location where partial nephrectomy is not safe. The kidney is removed with its surrounding fat, and sometimes the adrenal gland and nearby lymph nodes.
Simple nephrectomy removes a kidney that is no longer working — for example from long-term blockage or chronic infection — and is causing pain, infections or high blood pressure. Most people live normally with one healthy kidney.
How it works
Through 4–6 small incisions, the kidney’s artery and vein are carefully controlled and divided, the ureter is closed, and the kidney is freed and placed in a bag. It is removed through one slightly larger incision.
When cancer is the reason for surgery, the specimen is examined by a pathologist to stage the tumor and decide whether any further treatment is needed.
What to expect
Before, during and after surgery
Step 1
Before surgery
- Review of your CT or MRI and kidney function tests
- Medical clearance if needed
- Stop blood thinners and supplements only as instructed
- Blood type and screen in case a transfusion is needed
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight unless told otherwise
Step 2
During surgery
- General anesthesia, lying on your side
- 4–6 small incisions; one slightly larger to remove the kidney
- Blood vessels and ureter sealed and divided
- Kidney removed intact in a bag
Step 3
After surgery
- Walking the same day or next morning
- Catheter usually removed the next day
- Pain medicine as needed; many patients need little after the first week
- No heavy lifting for about 4–6 weeks
- Kidney function blood tests and, for cancer, a surveillance plan
Possible risks
Robotic surgery is generally safe, and serious problems are uncommon. As with any operation, risks can include:
- Bleeding, rarely needing a transfusion
- Infection, including pneumonia
- Injury to nearby organs such as the bowel, spleen, liver or pancreas
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Hernia at an incision
- Reduced overall kidney function, especially if it was already low
- Change to open surgery
When to call us
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Worsening belly or flank pain or swelling
- Nausea or vomiting that keeps you from drinking
- Redness or drainage from an incision
- Swelling or pain in a leg
- Any other symptom that worries you
Call (424) 529-6755. For chest pain, trouble breathing or other emergencies, call 911.
This page is general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Every patient is different; your surgical plan, recovery timeline and instructions will be personalized at your consultation.
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New patients, second opinions, concierge and out-of-network PPO patients are welcome.