Robotic Kidney Surgery

Before undergoing a robotic partial or radical nephrectomy, you will have a thorough preoperative assessment to ensure the surgery is safe and appropriately planned for you.

This includes blood tests to assess kidney function, blood count, and general health, as well as urine tests to check for infection. Imaging such as a CT scan or MRI is used to carefully assess the kidney and surrounding structures and to plan whether a partial or radical nephrectomy is most appropriate.

Your medical history and current medications will be reviewed, including blood thinners, which may need to be adjusted before surgery. You will also have a pre-anaesthetic assessment, which may include heart tests if required, to ensure you are fit for a general anaesthetic.

You will be given clear instructions regarding fasting, medications, and what to expect on the day of surgery. The aim of this assessment is to optimise your safety, preserve kidney function where possible, and ensure the best possible surgical outcome.

On the day of your robotic nephrectomy, you will be admitted to hospital a few hours before your scheduled operation. After checking in, the nursing staff will show you to your room and complete routine preoperative checks.

You will meet Dr. Farag and your anaesthetist, who will confirm the planned procedure and answer any final questions. A drip will be placed in your arm, and you may be given medication to help you relax. You will then be taken to the operating theatre and given a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep for the entire operation.

The surgery is performed using robotic assistance through several small keyhole incisions in the abdomen. Depending on your condition, either part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy) will be removed. The operation usually takes several hours.

After surgery, you will wake up in the recovery area, where you will be closely monitored. Once stable, you will be transferred back to your room. You may have a urinary catheter and a small drain near the surgical site, which are usually temporary. Pain is generally well controlled with medication, and you will be encouraged to start drinking fluids and mobilising as soon as it is safe.

Dr. Farag will review you regularly, explain how the surgery went, and guide you through the next steps in your recovery.

Recovery after robotic partial or radical nephrectomy is usually steady and gradual. Most patients spend 2–4 nights in hospital, depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery.

Initial recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks, during which time fatigue is common. Gentle walking is encouraged as soon as you return home to help circulation and healing.

Most people can return to light activities and office-based work within 2–4 weeks. More strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise should be avoided for approximately six weeks to allow proper healing. Driving is usually safe after 2–3 weeks, provided you are comfortable, no longer taking strong pain medication, and able to perform an emergency stop.

Pain is generally mild to moderate and well controlled with simple pain relief such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication. Your wounds are small and usually heal quickly.

If you have had a partial nephrectomy, your kidney function will be closely monitored after surgery. If a radical nephrectomy has been performed, your remaining kidney usually adapts well over time.

Dr.Farag will provide personalised advice regarding activity levels, follow-up appointments, and return to normal routines.

Robotic partial or radical nephrectomy is a safe and well-established procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks. Dr. Farag will discuss these with you in detail before your operation.

Common or Expected Side Effects

• Pain or discomfort: Mild to moderate pain is common after surgery and usually well controlled with medication.

• Urinary changes: Temporary urinary symptoms, such as urgency or difficulty, may occur, particularly if a catheter was placed.

• Fatigue: Feeling tired is common during the first few weeks of recovery.

Less Common Risks

• Bleeding: Significant bleeding is uncommon, but may rarely require a transfusion.

• Infection: This may involve the urinary tract, wound, or deeper tissues, usually treated with antibiotics.

• Injury to surrounding organs: Rarely, nearby structures such as the bowel, spleen, or liver can be affected.

• Reduced kidney function: Particularly relevant if you had a partial nephrectomy or pre-existing kidney issues.

Rare but Serious Risks

• Blood clots in the legs or lungs

• Anaesthetic complications

• Need for further surgery in case of complications

Your individual risk depends on factors such as overall health, kidney function, tumour size and location, and the type of nephrectomy planned. The robotic approach is designed to maximise precision, reduce complications, and support faster recovery.

After your surgery, ongoing follow-up is important to monitor your recovery, kidney function, and ensure any cancer is under control.

• Initial Review: You will have an appointment with Dr. Farag a few weeks after surgery to review your recovery, remove any drains or catheters if still in place, and discuss the pathology results.

• Kidney Function: Blood tests to check kidney function are usually performed within the first few weeks after surgery.

• Imaging: Depending on the type of nephrectomy and the reason for surgery, scans may be scheduled to monitor the remaining kidney or check for recurrence.

• Long-Term Monitoring: For patients treated for kidney cancer, follow-up usually continues at regular intervals (every 3–6 months initially, then yearly) for 3–5 years, including blood tests and imaging as needed.

Dr. Farag and your urology nurse will guide you on the exact schedule and explain what each test is for, so you feel informed and supported throughout your recovery.