Recently, Dr. Ornstein has utilized the DaVinci Robot for partial nephrectomy and along with his associates have demonstrated that robotic partial nephrectomy is much easier to learn than pure laparoscopic partial nephrectomy {Robotic versus Standard Laparoscopic Partial / Wedge Nephrectomy}.  In our experience robotic partial nephrectomy is the safest and most effective minimally invasive technique for partial nephrectomy.  Robotic Partial Nephrectomy is performed through 5 – 6 small holes (each smaller than 1 cm) in the abdmonal region, and is associated with less pain and fewer side effects than traditional open partial nephrectomy which is usually performed through a large incision in the side. Robotic partial nephrectomy is also associated with less blood and lower risk for transfusion than open partial nephrectomy. It has now been shown by our group as well as by others that robotic partial nephrectomy can achieve similar cure rates to that of open partial nephrectomy.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Typical Outcomes*

• Operative time: 3 – 4 hours
• Hospital stay: 48 hours
• Recovery: 3 – 4 weeks
• Risk of transfusion: < 10%
• Risk of positive margin: minimal
• Risk of complications: < 10 %

Advantages of Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

• Smaller incision
• Less pain
• Less blood loss
• Shorter hospitalization
• Shorter time to full recovery
• Less risk for incisional hernia
• Less risk for peripheral nerve damage

*Expected outcomes for typical patient based on personal experience and that reported in the literature. Results for individual patients are dependent on age, tumor size and location as well as other co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and history of prior abdominal surgery.