Organ-preserving surgery – gentle and effective
In partial kidney resection, only the tumor is removed while the healthy kidney tissue is preserved. Dieses organerhaltende Verfahren hat sich nicht nur bei Patientinnen und Patienten mit nur einer funktionstüchtigen Niere bewährt, sondern zeigt auch bei gesunder Gegenniere klare Vorteile. Studies show that preserving kidney tissue can reduce the risk of secondary diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. The long-term cancer prognosis does not differ from the radical removal of the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy).
In most cases, the procedure is minimally invasive, i.e. performed through small incisions with the support of a surgical robot, the DaVinci system. The kidney is briefly disconnected from the bloodstream in order to precisely remove the tumor. The remaining kidney tissue is then carefully closed. The gentle approach and high precision usually lead to a rapid recovery and good preservation of kidney function. Compared to open surgery, robotically assisted partial kidney resection generally shows lower complication rates, a shorter hospital stay and comparable results in terms of both kidney function and tumor control.
Procedure
Kidney function after surgery
The aim of partial kidney resection is to preserve healthy kidney function as much as possible. Since only the tumor is removed, most of the kidney tissue remains intact. In most cases, kidney performance remains stable after the procedure. Slight restrictions are possible, especially in the case of pre-existing kidney disease. Kidney function is carefully monitored before and after the operation. A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can help to maintain kidney function in the long term.
Who is a partial kidney resection suitable for?
Whether a partial kidney resection is feasible and sensible in an individual case depends on various factors – such as the location and size of the tumor, the general kidney function and the patient’s state of health. Small kidney tumors under 7 cm that are still localized should be operated on with organ-preserving surgery if this is technically possible. In a personal consultation and an interdisciplinary tumor board, we clarify the best treatment option together.
When is a complete kidney removal necessary?
In certain cases, a complete removal of the kidney (radical nephrectomy, kidney resection) is necessary – for example in the case of large tumors, multiple tumor infestations, unfavorable location or if the tumor grows into neighboring structures. In addition, the surrounding lymph nodes in the kidney area are usually removed in order to better assess the spread of the tumor. This procedure is also minimally invasive and robot-assisted at our clinic.
Second opinion: Preserve the kidney instead of removing it?
The decision as to whether a kidney needs to be completely removed or whether organ-preserving surgery is possible should be carefully considered. If you are faced with such a decision, we are happy to offer you a second opinion from a specialist. Particularly in the case of small or medium-sized tumors, it is worth checking whether a partial kidney resection is an option in your case – even if you have been advised elsewhere to have the entire kidney removed. Our specialized urologists take the time to carefully assess your findings and discuss all treatment options with you.
Further information on robot-assisted surgery
