Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Robotic Approach To Small Kidney Cancers
The urologist's approach to kidney cancer has been reshaped by the widespread adoption of robotic technology in the last decade. Open partial nephrectomy and later laparoscopic partial nephrectomy became more common approaches to small kidney cancers. Robotic technology was introduced in Singapore in 2002, with its advantages of magnification, articulating instruments and 3D visualization while maintaining the recovery benefits of minimally invasive surgery with increased ergonomic comfort.
Its greatest benefits are in complex procedures like radical prostatectomy (prostate cancer), partial nephrectomy (kidney cancer), radical nephro-ureterectomy (ureteric cancer) and pyeloplasty (pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction).
What is robotic partial nephrectomy?
When a robot is used, the surgeon uses handles below a computer display to control the robot's laparoscopic instruments inside the abdomen. The surgeon sees inside your abdomen with a thin, lighted tube (a laparoscope) placed inside a small incision. The cancerous growth is excised together with a margin of normal tissue. The rest of the kidney is not removed, leaving a functioning kidney.
Partial removal of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) is a newer technique that can be used when the tumour is small or near the edge of the kidney away from the blood vessels or ureter. Robotic partial nephrectomy (partial kidney removal) is used more often in our practice as the robotic system allows the surgeon to close up the gap after the removal of the tumour with quick sewing movements within a small space.
The first case of robotic partial nephrectomy in Singapore was performed by Dr Sim in 2009 using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
Benefits of the Robotic Approach
The main advantage of robotic partial nephrectomy includes:
This is important in shortening the warm ischaemic time and improving the recovery of kidney function after surgery.
Outcomes After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
The outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy appears to be comparable to the open approach and superior to conventional laparoscopy with regards to warm ischaemia time in the hands of experienced surgeons. Likewise, the robotic approach appears to have improved blood loss compared to laparoscopic and open surgery. Operative time is also consistent with both open and laparoscopic approaches, while decreasing the length of stay compared to open surgery.
In terms of oncologic clearance, robotic case series appeared to show equivalence compared to open and laparoscopic surgery. The complication rates for robotic partial nephrectomy in reported series showed that urinary leakage rarely occurred and no partial nephrectomy attempt was converted to a radical nephrectomy.
Send us an enquiry
Contact Information
Ravenna Urology Clinic
6 Napier Road #07-12, Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
T +65 64797822
F +65 64793989
24-hour Service: +65 65358833
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat 9 am - 12:30 pm
Closed on Sun and Public holidays
Website maintained by PAA.
All rights reserved 2014 ~ 2025.
Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Robotic Approach To Small Kidney Cancers
The urologist's approach to kidney cancer has been reshaped by the widespread adoption of robotic technology in the last decade. Open partial nephrectomy and later laparoscopic partial nephrectomy became more common approaches to small kidney cancers. Robotic technology was introduced in Singapore in 2002, with its advantages of magnification, articulating instruments and 3D visualization while maintaining the recovery benefits of minimally invasive surgery with increased ergonomic comfort.
Its greatest benefits are in complex procedures like radical prostatectomy (prostate cancer), partial nephrectomy (kidney cancer), radical nephro-ureterectomy (ureteric cancer) and pyeloplasty (pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction).
What is robotic partial nephrectomy?
When a robot is used, the surgeon uses handles below a computer display to control the robot's laparoscopic instruments inside the abdomen. The surgeon sees inside your abdomen with a thin, lighted tube (a laparoscope) placed inside a small incision. The cancerous growth is excised together with a margin of normal tissue. The rest of the kidney is not removed, leaving a functioning kidney.
Partial removal of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) is a newer technique that can be used when the tumour is small or near the edge of the kidney away from the blood vessels or ureter. Robotic partial nephrectomy (partial kidney removal) is used more often in our practice as the robotic system allows the surgeon to close up the gap after the removal of the tumour with quick sewing movements within a small space.
The first case of robotic partial nephrectomy in Singapore was performed by Dr Sim in 2009 using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
Benefits of the Robotic Approach
The main advantage of robotic partial nephrectomy includes:
This is important in shortening the warm ischaemic time and improving the recovery of kidney function after surgery.
Outcomes After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
The outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy appears to be comparable to the open approach and superior to conventional laparoscopy with regards to warm ischaemia time in the hands of experienced surgeons. Likewise, the robotic approach appears to have improved blood loss compared to laparoscopic and open surgery. Operative time is also consistent with both open and laparoscopic approaches, while decreasing the length of stay compared to open surgery.
In terms of oncologic clearance, robotic case series appeared to show equivalence compared to open and laparoscopic surgery. The complication rates for robotic partial nephrectomy in reported series showed that urinary leakage rarely occurred and no partial nephrectomy attempt was converted to a radical nephrectomy.
Send us an enquiry
Contact Information
Opening Hours
Ravenna Urology Clinic
6 Napier Road #07-12, Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
T +65 64797822
F +65 64793989
24-hour Service: +65 65358833
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat 9 am - 12:30 pm
Closed on Sun and Public holidays
Website maintained by PAA.
All rights reserved 2014 ~ 2025.
Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Robotic Approach To Small Kidney Cancers
The urologist's approach to kidney cancer has been reshaped by the widespread adoption of robotic technology in the last decade. Open partial nephrectomy and later laparoscopic partial nephrectomy became more common approaches to small kidney cancers. Robotic technology was introduced in Singapore in 2002, with its advantages of magnification, articulating instruments and 3D visualization while maintaining the recovery benefits of minimally invasive surgery with increased ergonomic comfort.
Its greatest benefits are in complex procedures like radical prostatectomy (prostate cancer), partial nephrectomy (kidney cancer), radical nephro-ureterectomy (ureteric cancer) and pyeloplasty (pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction).
What is robotic partial nephrectomy?
When a robot is used, the surgeon uses handles below a computer display to control the robot's laparoscopic instruments inside the abdomen. The surgeon sees inside your abdomen with a thin, lighted tube (a laparoscope) placed inside a small incision. The cancerous growth is excised together with a margin of normal tissue. The rest of the kidney is not removed, leaving a functioning kidney.
Partial removal of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) is a newer technique that can be used when the tumour is small or near the edge of the kidney away from the blood vessels or ureter. Robotic partial nephrectomy (partial kidney removal) is used more often in our practice as the robotic system allows the surgeon to close up the gap after the removal of the tumour with quick sewing movements within a small space.
The first case of robotic partial nephrectomy in Singapore was performed by Dr Sim in 2009 using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.
Benefits of the Robotic Approach
The main advantage of robotic partial nephrectomy includes:
This is important in shortening the warm ischaemic time and improving the recovery of kidney function after surgery.
Outcomes After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
The outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy appears to be comparable to the open approach and superior to conventional laparoscopy with regards to warm ischaemia time in the hands of experienced surgeons. Likewise, the robotic approach appears to have improved blood loss compared to laparoscopic and open surgery. Operative time is also consistent with both open and laparoscopic approaches, while decreasing the length of stay compared to open surgery.
In terms of oncologic clearance, robotic case series appeared to show equivalence compared to open and laparoscopic surgery. The complication rates for robotic partial nephrectomy in reported series showed that urinary leakage rarely occurred and no partial nephrectomy attempt was converted to a radical nephrectomy.
Send us an enquiry
Contact Information
Ravenna Urology Clinic
6 Napier Road #07-12, Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
T +65 64797822
F +65 64793989
24-hour Service: +65 65358833
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat 9 am - 12:30 pm
Closed on Sun and Public holidays
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