A Robotic Assisted Radical or Partial Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove all or part of a kidney, most commonly with the goal of eliminating cancer. If successful, it can offer a curative outcome.
What does ‘robotic’ mean?
Prof Lawrentschuk performs this surgery using the da Vinci robotic system, which provides enhanced precision, visual clarity, and control. It is important to note that the robotic system does not operate autonomously; all movements are directed entirely by Professor Lawrentschuk from a console.
Radical nephrectomy
Partial nephrectomy
Before surgery
You will be contacted 1–2 weeks prior to your scheduled procedure with specific fasting instructions and hospital admission details. You will also receive a link to complete your online admission forms.
It is important to advise the rooms if you are taking any blood thinners or any prescribed medications for diabetes or weight loss purposes. The rooms can be contacted on 03 9329 1197.
Following surgery
Hospital stay
You will be admitted on the day of your surgery, with a typical hospital stay lasting 2–3 nights. Post- operatively, you may have:
- A urinary catheter, removed within 24–48 hours
- A small wound drain, also removed within 24–48 hours
You will be encouraged to drink fluids and mobilise early to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Recovery at home
Once at home, you may experience mild discomfort from the small incisions made. However, this can be managed with simple painkillers. Please note:
- Wounds are closed with absorbable sutures (no removal required)
- Full recovery is expected within 10–14 days, with return to normal activities in 2–4 weeks
Possible side effects
Common (>10%)
- Temporary shoulder tip pain or bloating from gas
- Temporary catheter and wound drain placement
Occasional (2–10%)
- Bleeding, infection, hernia, or pain at incision sites
- Need for conversion to open surgery or blood transfusion
- Urine leak requiring a stent
Rare (<2%)
- Fluid or air entering lung cavity
- Injury to surrounding organs (spleen, liver, bowel, blood vessels, pancreas)
- Anaesthetic or cardiovascular complications (DVT, heart attack, stroke)
- Requirement for dialysis if kidney function deteriorates
- Pathology may reveal non-cancerous results
What are some alternative treatments?
The appropriate treatment for kidney cancer depends on tumour location, size, your age, and overall health. Alternative treatments may include:
- Open (non-robotic) surgery
- Observation or active surveillance
- Radiofrequency ablation (thermal destruction of tumour)
- Embolisation (blocking blood supply to the tumour)
- Chemotherapy or immunotherapy (typically for advanced disease)
- Radiation therapy
Professor Lawrentschuk will assist you in selecting the most suitable option based on your clinical circumstances.
When to seek help
Please contact Professor Lawrentschuk’s rooms on 03 9329 1197 or attend your nearest Emergency Department if you experience:
- High fever, chills, or shaking
- Increased pain, redness, throbbing or discharge at the wound site
Follow-up and monitoring
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled 2–3 weeks post-surgery to:
- Review your recovery
- Discuss histopathology results of the removed tissue
Pathology results are typically available within 10–14 days. In some cases, your results may be reviewed in a multidisciplinary team meeting to determine the most effective next steps. If this occurs, you will be notified and kept informed of the team’s recommendations.
Following this appointment, you will be requested to complete bloods and scans to be reviewed in 6 months time.
If you have any queries, please use the contact details below:
MONDAY to FRDAY 8:30AM–4:00PM
Call the rooms at 9329 1197
AFTER HOURS
Contact Epworth Emergency on 03 9426 6666 or Royal Melbourne Emergency on 03 9342 7000.
You can also page Prof Lawrentschuk on 03 9387 1000.
For appointments and enquiries:
CONSULTING LOCATIONS
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