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.
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 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.
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.
