INFO & BLOG
About diagnosis, treatment and recovery
In a kidney tumor, is the whole kidney removed or only the tumor?
Whenever feasible only the tumor is removed with a safe margin via a nephron-sparing approach; the whole kidney is removed only when required.
What is the difference between partial (nephron-sparing) and radical nephrectomy?
In partial nephrectomy only the tumor is removed and healthy tissue is preserved; in radical nephrectomy the entire kidney is removed.
What are the advantages of robotic kidney surgery over open surgery?
Through small incisions it provides less bleeding, less pain, a short hospital stay and rapid recovery.
What is warm ischemia time and why does it matter for kidney function?
It is the time renal blood flow is clamped during tumor removal; keeping it short helps preserve kidney function.
How does tumor size affect which method is chosen?
Small, favorably located tumors usually favor nephron-sparing partial nephrectomy, while large or extensive tumors may require radical nephrectomy.
What happens to my kidney function after surgery, can one live with a single kidney?
Nephron-sparing surgery aims to preserve function; when needed it is possible to live with a single healthy kidney, and function is monitored regularly.
What is the off-clamp / zero-ischemia technique and who is it suitable for?
It is an advanced technique that removes the tumor without clamping renal blood flow or with minimal clamping, better protecting function; suitability is decided case by case in the council.
What is the difference between the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches?
The transperitoneal approach provides a wide working space through the abdominal cavity, while the retroperitoneal approach reaches the kidney from behind without entering the abdominal organs.
How long is recovery after robotic kidney surgery and when can I return to work?
Thanks to small incisions recovery is usually fast; the exact timeline depends on the case and procedure and is planned by your team.
How does the process work for international patients?
Starting with sharing your imaging, end-to-end support including visa, transfer, accommodation and medical interpreter is provided.