What is robotic partial nephrectomy?
A partial nephrectomy is a surgical cancer treatment that removes the renal mass (tumor), while saving the kidney. At South Bay Urology in the South Bay of Southern California, we use the da Vinci robotic system to perform robotic partial nephrectomies. The robotic approach allows for more cancer control, smaller incisions, less blood loss, less post-op pain and a shorter stay at the hospital.
Studies shown that partial nephrectomies achieve similar cure rates to total kidney removal. And by saving the kidney, we can improve long-term kidney function and your cardiovascular health. People with poor kidney function are more likely to suffer and die from heart disease. When feasible, partial nephrectomies have become the standard of care for the treatment of renal masses.
Dr. Lesser and Dr. Matsunaga have extensive experience performing complex robotic partial nephrectomies for over 15 years. Their intraoperative blood transfusion rate is close to 0%.
What can I expect during the procedure?
During the surgery, we will use the da Vinci surgical system for precise hand control. We will make a small incision and insert a laparoscope (a thin device with small camera and light on the end). This allows our surgeons to see inside of your body to perform the procedure without making a large incision. Next, we will cut out the tumor and reconstruct your kidney. We will place a laparoscopic ultrasound probe on the kidney to ensure that the renal mass has been completely removed.
Am I a candidate?
In order for a partial nephrectomy to be both feasible and safe, the location of the tumor is key. Our physicians have the knowledge and experience to decide if a partial or full nephrectomy is needed. Kidney tumors are rare and small kidney tumors are even rarer. Many surgeons don’t have the skill-set required for partial removal of the kidney. But our very own Drs. Matsunaga and Lesser specialize in this technique and offer the best chance at successfully removing difficult tumors. Our intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion rates are <1% in over 500 cases. To find out more, request an appointment at our practice in the South Bay.
Schedule an appointment in Southern California
Drs. Matsunaga and Lesser have extensive experience in robotic kidney surgery and routinely perform robotic partial nephrectomies to remove tumors. They have the experience with both the arterial clamping technique and the “zero-ischemia” partial nephrectomy. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (310) 542-0199 or fill out the request form on our site.
(310) 542-0199