Robotic kidney surgery, or robotic nephrectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses robotic tools to remove kidney cancer with fewer complications and a faster recovery. It attempts to preserve kidney function by sparing the healthy kidney tissues.

- Synopsis
- Introduction
- What is Robotic Kidney Surgery?
- Types of Robotic Kidney Surgery
- Why Choose Robotic Kidney Surgery?
- Preparation for Robotic Kidney Surgery
- Robotic Kidney Surgery Procedure
- Recovery & Aftercare
- Risk and Complications after Robotic Kidney Surgery
- Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital for Robotic Kidney Surgery?
Synopsis
Robotic kidney surgery, or robotic nephrectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses robotic tools to remove kidney cancer with fewer complications and a faster recovery. It attempts to preserve kidney function by sparing the healthy kidney tissues.
Introduction
Kidney removal robotic surgery at Gleneagles Hospitals has many advantages, including a shorter recovery time due to which individuals can go back to their normal activities much earlier. There is also greater precision and a better range of motion as per the cutting-edge technology our highly experienced surgeons utilise during surgery. Gleneagles Hospitals ensures the most optimal results for robotic kidney surgery in Mumbai.
What is Robotic Kidney Surgery?
Kidney removal robotic surgery refers to the removal of the cancerous section of the kidney. This procedure allows for precisely removing kidney tumours while preserving the healthy tissues. This surgery is crucial for patients with kidney cancer. The minimally invasive nature involves small incisions that reduce the risk of any possible infection and hasten the recovery.
Individuals with large, complicated kidney stones and kidney cancer might benefit exponentially from this minimally invasive kidney surgery. Robotic simple nephrectomy is recommended in cases where kidneys have stopped functioning due to long-standing obstruction and other issues.

Types of Robotic Kidney Surgery
Robotic kidney surgery can include partial nephrectomy, total nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, and other procedures. Let’s look at some of the common types of robotic surgical systems for kidneys.
- Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: It performs Robotic Surgery Kidney Tumours while leaving the healthy kidney tissue to preserve the functional capabilities of the kidney.
- Robotic Total Nephrectomy: This kidney removal robotic surgery removes the entire kidney, including the surrounding fat, adrenal gland, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
- Robotic-Assisted Nephroureterectomy: It removes the kidney and its ureter.
- Robotic Pyeloplasty: It is an advanced, minimally invasive surgery that removes blockage from the kidney.
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Why Choose Robotic Kidney Surgery?
Robotic kidney surgery in Mumbai can remove kidney cancer with less pain and a faster recovery. It aims to preserve healthy tissue to maintain kidney function. Robotic surgery uses smaller and thinner tools than human hands, which may result in a decreased chance of scarring. It imitates the surgeon's hand movement while minimising the tremors. Here are some common cases where kidney resection might be used.
- Kidney Cancer: Robotic partial nephrectomy has been proven to be effective in the excision of kidney tumours that are located at the edge of the kidney.
- Kidney Cysts: Minimally invasive kidney surgery with robot assistance can be used to remove cysts and tumours.
- Kidney Failure: A robotic simple nephrectomy is used to remove a non-functional kidney.
- Complications From Previous Surgery: Robotic kidney surgery is widely used to effectively treat complications from previous surgery.
- UPJ Obstruction: Robotic pyeloplasty is quite common in treating UPJ (ureteropelvic junction) obstruction.
Preparation for Robotic Kidney Surgery
Before undergoing robotic kidney surgery, a series of preparation steps have to be followed for faster recovery. Here are some steps that doctors might recommend for minimally invasive kidney surgery at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai.
1. Pre-Surgery Evaluation
- Medical History & Physical Exam: The doctor will take a detailed medical history for review and perform a physical examination to understand your fitness for the surgery.
- Diagnostic Tests: You need to run blood tests, urine tests, imaging scans (CT, MRI, or ultrasound), and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess whether everything is functioning well.
- Medication Review: You will need to disclose all the medications you take, including blood thinners, supplements, and herbal remedies, to make necessary adjustments.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Dietary Changes: You might need to adjust your diet if you have severe kidney diseases.
- Hydration: You need to drink enough fluids unless your healthcare professional tells you otherwise.
- Smoking & Alcohol: Avoid smoking and alcohol as they can interfere with anaesthesia and healing.
3. Preoperative Instructions
- Fasting: Typically, no food or drink is allowed after midnight before the surgery.
- Bowel Preparation: In some cases, one may require laxatives and enemas for bowel preparation.
- Skin Preparation: Your doctor might recommend you shower with an antibacterial soap the night before.
4. Hospital Preparation
- Packing Essentials: Bring additional loose, comfortable clothing, identification, and insurance papers alongside any other necessary documents.
- Arrange Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the discharge.
5. Mental & Emotional Readiness
- Discuss Concerns: Talk to the concerned doctor about your healing goals, any concerns, and the risks of the procedure beforehand.
- Support System: Arrange family and friends to assist you after the surgery.
Robotic Kidney Surgery Procedure
Robotic kidney surgery is a minimally invasive kidney surgery that uses a robotic system for precision and better control. It is used in cases like kidney tumour removal (partial nephrectomy), kidney removal (radical nephrectomy), or kidney reconstruction. Here is a brief overview of the robotic kidney surgery procedure steps:
1. Anaesthesia & Preparation: You will be given general anaesthesia for the procedure to be pain-free. A catheter will be used to drain urine in this procedure. The surgical site will be sterilised, and the robotic arms will be set up.
2. Small Incisions & Robotic Setup: The surgeons would make small incisions in the abdomen and insert trocars to allow robotic instruments to pass through. The da Vinci robotic system is typically used to get a high-definition, 3D view of the surgical area.
3. Surgical Procedure (Based on Surgery Type)
- Partial Nephrectomy (Kidney Tumour Removal): In this procedure, the surgeon carefully removes the tumours while preserving the healthy tissues. Blood vessels are sealed, and the kidney is reconstructed afterwards.
- Radical Nephrectomy (Complete Kidney Removal): The kidney, along with the ureter and possibly surrounding fat and tissues, are detached. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed.
- Kidney Reconstruction (e.g., Pyeloplasty): The blocked and damaged areas of the kidney are reconstructed to restore function.
4. Closure & Recovery: After the procedure is done, the small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue. The patient is kept in the ICU to monitor for complications before transferring to the recovery room.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery from robotic kidney surgery in Mumbai is typically much faster and less painful than traditional open surgery. However, proper care during this time is crucial to avoid complications. Most patients stay for 1 to 3 days in the hospital post-operation, where they are put under observation for pain, bleeding, and kidney function. The pain in this procedure is usually mild to moderate, and you will be given comprehensive over-the-counter pain relievers. Antibiotics and stool softeners might also be recommended.
You will be recommended to drink plenty of water and avoid salt, processed foods, and alcohol to not strain the kidneys. You have to go to follow-up visits and screening tests like ultrasounds or CT scans to monitor your progress.
Risk and Complications after Robotic Kidney Surgery
Even though robotic kidney surgery is much safer than traditional open surgery, there are still certain risks associated with the procedure. Here are some of the risk factors associated with minimally invasive kidney surgery with robot assistance.
- Bleeding: Severe bleeding is a risk factor that might lead to arterial malformation.
- Infection: Urinary tract infections and skin incision infections can be possible risk factors for this procedure.
- Injury to nearby organs: Although it is extremely uncommon, robotic instruments can injure nearby organs.
- Vascular Issues: These include bleeding and vessel injuries, especially in tumour resection.
Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital for Robotic Kidney Surgery?
Gleneagles Hospitals is the leading choice in advanced robotic kidney surgery, as it has greater precision, minimal invasiveness, and faster recovery. Our experienced and renowned surgeons come with extensive experience and they offer complete pre- and postoperative care. Our modern infrastructure ensures patient comfort at each step. Here are some of the reasons Gleneagles Hospital is considered one of the best hospitals for robotic nephrectomy:
- Expert Doctors: Our experienced doctors provide personalised medical attention to each patient.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The hospital has the Da Vinci surgical system and 3D high-definition imaging for advanced procedures.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: We specialise in minimally invasive techniques that reduce postoperative trauma and complications.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Our modern operating rooms, ICUs, and recovery units provide excellent care.
- High Success Rate: We have a high success rate with remarkable outcomes in complex kidney-related cases.
Our Doctors
View allDr Prashanth Rao
Director and Senior Consultant
MBBS, MS, FRCS (Ed), DNB MNAMS, Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery (Fr.), FIAGES, FALS (Hon), FICS (USA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Robotic kidney surgery can include partial nephrectomy, total nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, and other procedures.
Some of the risk factors associated with minimally invasive kidney surgery with robot assistance are bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, and vascular issues
Recovery from robotic kidney surgery is typically much faster and less painful than traditional open surgery.
Kidney removal robotic surgery has many advantages: due to a shorter recovery time, individuals can go back to their normal activities much earlier. There is also greater precision and a better range of motion.