Dr. Sachin Arakere Nataraj is a uro-oncologist, robotic surgeon and focal HIFU therapist. He has performed about 2,000 robotic surgeries since 2014. He sees patients in Noida, Delhi NCR and Bangalore.
This page explains robotic partial nephrectomy, an operation that removes a kidney tumour while keeping the rest of the kidney. It covers who may be suitable, what the operation involves and recovery.
What is robotic partial nephrectomy?
In a partial nephrectomy only the tumour and a thin rim of normal tissue around it are removed. The healthy part of the kidney is repaired and left in place. Keeping as much working kidney as possible helps protect long-term kidney function, which matters for blood pressure, heart health and in case the other kidney is affected later.
In robotic surgery the operation is done through several small keyhole incisions, with a magnified 3D view and fine instrument control. This helps with removing the tumour precisely and stitching the kidney afterwards.
Dr. Sachin's interests include kidney preservation in complex tumours, using 3D planning from the CT scan and ultrasound during the operation to locate the tumour and plan the cut.
Who may be a candidate?
Partial nephrectomy may be considered when:
- A solid kidney tumour is found, often by chance on an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason.
- The tumour is small or medium-sized (commonly up to about 7 cm), and its position allows it to be removed safely while saving the rest of the kidney.
- The man or woman has only one kidney, reduced kidney function, or tumours in both kidneys, where saving kidney tissue is especially important.
Some tumours are too large or too central for a partial nephrectomy. In that case removing the whole kidney (radical nephrectomy) may be advised. For some small tumours, careful monitoring with scans may also be an option.
Dr. Sachin reviews your CT or MRI scans, kidney function tests and general health, then discusses all your options with you.
The operation: what to expect
- Before surgery: a contrast CT or MRI, blood tests including kidney function, and a fitness check for anaesthesia.
- Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia.
- Duration: usually about 2–4 hours, depending on the tumour.
- Incisions: several small keyhole cuts in the abdomen or side.
- Tubes: a urinary catheter and sometimes a drain, usually removed within 1–2 days.
- Hospital stay: usually 2–4 days.
Recovery after robotic partial nephrectomy
- Walking is encouraged from the day after surgery.
- Most people return to desk work and light activity in about 2–4 weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 4–6 weeks, to protect the repaired kidney.
- Seek medical advice promptly if you notice blood in the urine, fever or pain that is getting worse.
- Follow-up: the removed tumour is examined in the laboratory. Follow-up scans and kidney function tests are arranged according to the final report.
Partial compared with radical nephrectomy
| Partial nephrectomy | Radical nephrectomy | |
|---|---|---|
| What is removed | The tumour with a rim of normal tissue | The whole kidney |
| Kidney function | More of the kidney is kept | One kidney remains |
| Suitable for | Small to medium tumours in a suitable position | Larger or centrally placed tumours |
| Approach | Usually robotic keyhole | Robotic or laparoscopic keyhole, sometimes open |
More information is in the general guides to kidney cancer and partial nephrectomy. Dr. Sachin also offers focal HIFU for prostate cancer in Noida and robotic prostatectomy in Noida.
Frequently asked questions
What is a partial nephrectomy? An operation that removes a kidney tumour with a thin rim of normal tissue, while keeping the rest of the kidney working.
Who is suitable for partial nephrectomy? Usually people with small to medium kidney tumours in a position that can be removed safely, and especially those with one kidney or reduced kidney function. A specialist needs to review your CT or MRI scans.
How long is the hospital stay? Usually 2–4 days after robotic partial nephrectomy.
When can I return to work? Most people return to desk work in about 2–4 weeks. Heavy lifting should be avoided for about 4–6 weeks.
Is every kidney tumour cancer? No. Some kidney tumours are benign. The final answer comes from the laboratory examination of the removed tissue, or sometimes from a biopsy.
Will I need dialysis after partial nephrectomy? Most people with a normal other kidney do not. Your kidney function is checked before and after surgery.
Where can I consult Dr. Sachin for kidney tumour surgery? In Noida, Delhi NCR and Bangalore. Call +91 7676273920 for an appointment. Please bring your CT or MRI scans and kidney function reports.
Book a consultation
Call +91 7676273920 to arrange a consultation in Noida, Delhi NCR and Bangalore. Please bring your CT or MRI scans (films or CD), reports and recent blood tests, including kidney function.