Robotic surgery for kidney cancer.
When kidney cancer needs to come out, the modern goal is to take the tumor — and leave as much working kidney behind as possible. That is what robotic partial nephrectomy is for.
What it is
Most kidney cancers today are found incidentally on a CT or MRI ordered for some other reason. That early detection has shifted kidney surgery toward kidney-sparing operations: rather than removing the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy), the tumor alone is removed with a thin cuff of normal tissue around it, and the rest of the kidney is reconstructed and preserved. This is partial nephrectomy.
When done robotically, the operation is performed through a few small incisions using the da Vinci platform. For tumors where partial nephrectomy is not safe, robotic radical nephrectomy is also performed.
Who it's for
- Small renal masses — most tumors under about 4 cm
- Many tumors in the 4–7 cm range, depending on anatomy
- Selected larger or more complex tumors
- Anyone for whom kidney-function preservation matters — which is essentially everyone
Why partial whenever possible
Long-term studies are clear: preserving kidney function lowers long-term cardiovascular and overall mortality. For small kidney cancers, partial nephrectomy gives equivalent cancer control to full nephrectomy, with meaningfully better preservation of kidney function. Dr. Ursiny chooses partial whenever it is safe to do so.
Active surveillance is also on the table
Not every small kidney mass needs immediate surgery. For older patients, smaller tumors, and certain anatomic situations, careful surveillance is appropriate. Dr. Ursiny will say when it is.
Dr. Ursiny's approach
Under general anesthesia, five small incisions are made. The kidney is exposed and the tumor is identified. To control bleeding while the tumor is removed, the renal artery is typically clamped for about 10 to 20 minutes — the "warm-ischemia time" — then released. Depending on the tumor's location and blood supply, Dr. Ursiny may instead clamp only the branches feeding the tumor (selective clamping) or remove the tumor entirely off-clamp. The kidney is then reconstructed in layers.
Operative time is generally 2 to 3 hours. Most patients go home the next day.
Recovery at a glance
- Hospital stay: one night
- Walking the day of surgery
- Desk work in 1–2 weeks
- Full activity in 4–6 weeks
- Follow-up imaging at intervals based on the tumor's final pathology
Already scheduled for surgery?
Step-by-step preparation and recovery instructions live in the patient library: Before Surgery and After Surgery.
Risks worth understanding
- Bleeding — uncommon, occasionally requires intervention
- Urine leak from the kidney reconstruction — usually resolves with a stent or drain
- Loss of kidney function — the goal of the operation is to minimize this
- Conversion to a full (radical) nephrectomy — uncommon, discussed in advance
- Conversion to open surgery — uncommon
- Infection, blood clot, and the usual surgical risks of an operation under general anesthesia
What to bring to your first visit
- The CT or MRI report — and ideally a disc/USB or portal access to the actual images
- A summary of kidney function (a recent metabolic panel is sufficient)
- A list of medications
- Any family history of kidney cancer or other cancers
Frequently asked questions
Will I need dialysis?
What is the cancer-control rate?
Will I need follow-up scans after surgery?
Do you accept second opinions for a kidney mass?
Related kidney procedures: robotic pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction · stone treatments (ureteroscopy with vacuum aspiration, PCNL).
Diagnosed with a kidney mass?
New patients and second opinions are welcome. Most consultations are scheduled within two weeks.
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