By Dr. Anup Ramani

Robotic surgery has significantly advanced the field of Kidney Cancer treatment. It offers a high level of surgical precision, reduces recovery time and minimizes discomfort. Yet for many patients, undergoing robotic kidney surgery can raise numerous questions. Concerns about pain, blood loss, diet, hospital stay and activity levels are common – especially among those considering Kidney Cancer treatment in India.

This comprehensive Q&A provides clear, expert-backed answers to the most frequent concerns about Robotic Surgery for Kidney Cancer, based on clinical practice from Kidney Cancer Surgeons in Mumbai.

What is robotic kidney cancer surgery and how is it performed?

Robotic kidney cancer surgery, such as partial or radical nephrectomy, is performed using robotic instruments controlled by the surgeon from a console. The procedure involves five tiny incisions (3mm each) through which robotic arms are inserted. These arms mimic the surgeon’s movements with high precision.

A robotic partial nephrectomy takes about 90 minutes, while a robotic radical nephrectomy takes about 60 minutes. The approach offers accurate removal with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.

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Will I experience a lot of pain after the surgery?

Pain after robotic surgery is significantly less compared to open surgery. Most patients report mild discomfort that is easily managed with standard oral pain medications. Since the incisions are small and muscle cutting is minimal, recovery is more comfortable and many patients can walk the same day of surgery.

Is blood loss a major concern during robotic kidney surgery?

No. Robotic kidney cancer surgery is designed to be almost completely bloodless. In most cases, there is no need for a blood transfusion. This is due to the advanced precision of robotic instruments and the surgeon’s ability to control small vessels meticulously during the operation.

How long do I need to stay in the hospital after surgery?

The typical hospital stay for robotic kidney cancer surgery is four nights, including the night before the operation. During this time:

  • A urinary catheter and abdominal drain are inserted.
  • Oral intake begins with sips of water on the day after surgery.
  • Solid food is usually allowed by the third day.
  • The catheter is removed on day two post-surgery and the drain on day three.

By discharge, patients are fully mobile and can perform self-care without help.

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Will I need someone to assist me at home after discharge?

In most cases, no assistance is needed at home. Patients are able to walk, shower, use the toilet and dress independently from the day they leave the hospital. This self-sufficiency is a hallmark of the patient-friendly approach used in robotic kidney surgery.

What support is available after I’m discharged from the hospital?

A member of the surgical team visits the patient at home or hotel daily for 10 days post-discharge. These visits ensure:

  • Monitoring of surgical sites and recovery
  • Catheter care
  • Patient counselling and reassurance

This ongoing care is especially beneficial for patients coming from other cities or countries for Kidney Cancer treatment in Mumbai.

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When can I return to work after robotic kidney surgery?

Most patients are able to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks of surgery. Recovery time may vary depending on the nature of your job and your overall health, but the goal is always early reintegration into normal life.

When can I resume exercise or heavy physical activity?

Heavy activities such as running, cycling or weightlifting can usually be resume after one month. Gentle walking is encouraged within days of surgery and patients are advised to gradually increase physical activity under the doctor’s guidance.

What does long-term follow-up look like after surgery?

Patients are followed up with annual CT scans for five years to check for any recurrence of cancer. Local patients meet the surgeon in person after two weeks to review the surgical report. For outstation or international patients, this follow-up is conducted through a phone consultation.

What makes robotic surgery for kidney cancer safer and more effective?

Robotic surgery allows for:

  • Minimal scarring
  • Faster recovery
  • Lower risk of complications

When performed by an experience Kidney Cancer Surgeon, robotic surgery significantly improves patient outcomes and quality of life after treatment.

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Conclusion

Robotic kidney cancer surgery is transforming the landscape of Kidney Cancer treatment in India. For patients in Mumbai and beyond, this approach offers minimal pain, minimal blood loss, faster recovery and strong post-operative support. Dr. Anup Ramani, addresses these common concerns through clear, scientific answers helps demystify the process and empowers patients to approach their treatment with confidence.

Certainly. Here are 5 new, non-repetitive FAQs based on the context of robotic kidney cancer surgery and Dr. Anup Ramani’s protocol:

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FAQs About Robotic Kidney Cancer Surgery

Robotic kidney surgery offers enhanced precision, smaller incisions, less postoperative pain and quicker recovery. It reduces hospital stay and minimizes complications such as infection or hernia formation, making it a preferred choice for many patients.

General anaesthesia is used for robotic kidney cancer procedures. The patient is fully asleep and monitored throughout the operation to ensure safety and comfort.

Yes. Dr. Ramani’s protocol supports international patients by assisting with travel, accommodation and follow-up via remote consultations. His team ensures seamless care before and after surgery.

Pre-surgery preparation includes blood tests, imaging (CT or MRI) and a health evaluation. Patients are advised to fast the night before surgery and follow specific instructions provided by the surgical team regarding medications and physical readiness.

PARTIAL PENECTOMY
  • Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma. 
  • Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
  • Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
  • This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
  • This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
  • The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
  • The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes. 
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
  • Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
  • Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
  • This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
  • The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
  • The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR
  • Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.

  • Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.

  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).

  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.

  • On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.

  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.

  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.

  • A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.

  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.

  • The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.

  • The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.

  • Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).

  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.

RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.

  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month

FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
    Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.

ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
  • Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
  • Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
  • The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.

  • Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.

  • If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.

ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
  • Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
  • relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
  • The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient. 
  • They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. 
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
  • Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report. 
  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.