Kidney-Preserving Robotic Da Vinci Tumor Removal Surgery | Urological Clinic of TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar

The robotic system Da Vinci is a unique, gentle method for kidney surgery that avoids large incisions, blood loss, and postoperative complications. The robot allows the surgeon to see a 12-fold enlarged surgical field. In addition, the seven degrees of freedom of manipulators surpass those of a human hand, making it possible to easily bypass nervous and small vascular structures without damaging delicate tissues. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, so preoperative diagnosis is essential. After the anesthesia injection, the patient's stomach is filled with gas, and instruments are inserted through 4 punctures. Next, a tube with an optic is inserted at the navel for visual control of the tools. The operation is performed in a lateral position. The surgeon uses a robot to isolate the renal vessels and the ureter carefully and then excise the damaged kidney. Next, puncture sites are sewn with a self-absorbing thread. The whole operation takes less than two hours. Four hours later, the patient can already walk. He stays in the hospital for 2-3 days and, after a week, can return to work and his daily life.