Robotic Kidney Surgery
Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Robotic partial nephrectomy is when a portion of the kidney is removed typically for a tumor or a mass that is suspicious for cancer. This is a very complicated operation but with high risk also comes high reward. Most tumors small than 5 cm (2 inches) can be removed from the kidney and leave behind functioning tissue. This is especially important if the tumor turns out to be benign or in people who have renal insufficiency (kidney function deficit).
The tumor location is very important so Dr. Pattaras personally reviews the images (CT or MRI) to determine whether this is possible. More than 90% of these tumors can be performed robotically through 5-6 small incisions. Dr. Pattaras has performed hundreds of robotic partial nephrectomies with excellent cancer and kidney function outcomes. Most patients can go home after one or two nights in the hospital and return to daily activities days later.
Dr. Pattaras has been performing laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomies since 1999 with an experience few share. With the advent of the DaVinci Xi robot now multiple tumors and more complicated tumors can safely be removed saving valuable kidney function.
Robotic Radical Nephrectomy
Robotic Radical Nephrectomy is the complete removal of the kidney and sometimes the attached adrenal gland. This is an option when a tumor is too large to save enough functional kidney, dangerously close to the main blood vessels feeding the kidney or the tumor is suspected to be stage T3 or T4
Robotic Pyeloplasty
Robotic Pyeloplasty is the reconstruction of the ureter (Drainage tube of the kidney) to relieve focal blockage of the kidney. This is mostly seen congenitally (born with a slight blockage which worsens as we age).
Damage from a kidney stone or kidney stone procedure can also be a cause.
This reconstructive surgery can relieve unwanted pressure to prevent kidney loss and relieve pain. This is usually a straightforward surgery but Dr. Pattaras has performed this in very complicated patients or pr3evious attempts at repair. He is a pioneer in this surgery and has written numerous chapters and manuscripts having learned this techniques from the first surgeons to have