Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Melbourne

Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy is keyhole surgery and provides patients with a safe and effective way to remove a small renal tumour, while preserving the remainder of the kidney. This is a minimally invasive technique, which provides patients with less discomfort and equivalent results when compared to the traditional open surgery.

A laparoscopic nephrectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. Four small incisions are made in the abdomen and the tumour is removed. The defect is sewn closed and the tumour is sent to pathology for further testing.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and you will remain in hospital for 3 days.

Before surgery

• Ensure your hospital paperwork is completed and sent to the hospital at least 7 days before surgery.
• Ensure you have all your tests completed 4-7 days before surgery. These include bloods, ECG and urine test.
• Once admitted, you will be issued with anti-embolic stockings (compression stockings). You are required to wear these throughout your admission.
• If you are a Diabetic, please speak to the Practice Nurse at your earliest convenience.
• If you are on any blood thinning medications, then please alert the nurse at your earliest convenience.
• Please inform staff if you have any allergies.

Following surgery

• You will have a catheter for 2 days and your urine output will be monitored by nursing staff. This will be removed before you are discharged and nursing staff will check to ensure you are emptying your bladder well.
• Whilst you’re in hospital you will have intravenous fluids and a Pain Control Analgesia (PCA). You are advised to press the button if you have pain.
• You will have a drain tube and this will be removed by nursing staff as directed by your doctor.
• Your wounds will have water proof dressings and this will enable you to shower.

Following discharge

• You will return to the rooms for a wound check one week following surgery. If this appointment was not made, please call the rooms.
• It is important to ensure you maintain adequate fluids. 1.5 to 2 litres per day is advisable.
• It is important you avoid strenuous physical activities and any heavy lifting for 4 weeks.
• You will be given an appointment to return to theatre 4-6 weeks following surgery to have your stent removed. This appointment will be given to you. Please call the rooms if you have not received this by 2 weeks following discharge.
• Ensure you take adequate pain relief as required.

Please call the rooms if you experience any of the following:

• Excruciating pain when passing urine not relieved by oral analgesia
• Fever
• Wound sites – red, inflamed and hot to touch
• Urine – presence of blood, passing of clots
• Urine – frequency, difficulty passing urine, urgency, burning