Dr Anup Ramani @ Copyright 2024
By Dr. Anup Ramani
Kidney cancer is a serious disease, but thanks to modern treatments, recovery has become much easier and less painful. This surgery is less invasive and offers a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery. But even after a successful surgery, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your health in the long term. CT scans are a key part of this monitoring process.
In this article, we will explore why regular CT scans are so important after robotic kidney cancer surgery. These scans help detect any problems early, ensuring that you stay healthy and cancer-free for years to come.
Table of Contents
Why Regular CT Scans Are Essential After Robotic Kidney Cancer Surgery?
Detecting Cancer Recurrence Early
One of the main reasons for regular scans after robotic kidney cancer treatment is to spot any signs of cancer returning. Although robotic surgery is very precise, there is still a small chance that some cancerous cells might be left behind. It can help catch these cells early, giving you a better chance to treat the cancer before it spreads.
CT scans provide detailed images of the kidney and surrounding areas. These scans can show if any tumors are growing back or if the cancer has spread to nearby areas. Early detection of recurrence means doctors can treat it quickly, giving you the best chance for a full recovery.
Monitoring for Complications after Surgery
While kidney cancer surgery is less invasive than traditional surgery, complications can still occur. For example, there might be infection, bleeding or fluid buildup near the surgery site. CT scans help doctors detect these problems before they become serious.
In the weeks and months after surgery, a CT scan can show if there is an unusual collection of fluids, such as blood or pus that could signal infection. Detecting these issues early can prevent them from turning into bigger problems, ensuring a smooth recovery.
Checking Kidney Function and the Remaining Tissue
After kidney cancer surgery, your remaining kidney tissue needs to be closely monitored to make sure it’s still functioning well. Since kidney cancer treatment aims to remove only the cancerous part of the kidney, it’s essential to check that the rest of the kidney is healthy.
A CT scan can show how well the remaining kidney is working and if there are any signs of damage. For instance, it can help doctors check if blood is flowing properly to the kidney. If blood flow is blocked or restricted, it could affect kidney function. CT scans ensure that your kidney stays healthy over time.

Monitoring Healing and Scar Tissue
As with any surgery, healing after kidney cancer surgery is a gradual process. During this time, scar tissue forms and while this is normal, too much scar tissue can cause problems. It can block urine flow or cause discomfort.
Scans are useful in monitoring the amount of scar tissue and checking if it’s affecting your kidney or other organs. If too much scar tissue forms, the doctor can recommend treatments to prevent complications and ensure your recovery continues smoothly.
How Regular CT Scans Support Personalized Care in Robotic Kidney Cancer Surgery?
Tailored Post-Surgery Treatment Plans
Each patient’s recovery after Robotic Surgery for Kidney Cancer is unique. CT scans provide valuable information about your specific situation, allowing doctors to adjust your care based on the images. If the scans show that the kidney or surrounding tissues are healing well, your doctor might suggest reducing the frequency of check-ups. On the other hand, if any issues are detected, they can be treated promptly.
Personalized care is essential for ensuring the best possible outcome after surgery. CT scans help doctors make informed decisions about your treatment, making your recovery as smooth and effective as possible.
Reducing Anxiety and Improving Peace of Mind
After undergoing surgery for kidney cancer, many patients worry about the possibility of the cancer returning. Regular CT scans can help ease this anxiety by providing reassurance. If the scans show that everything is clear, you can rest easier knowing that your recovery is progressing as expected. If any issues are found, they can be addressed early, preventing major concerns later on.
The Long-Term Health Benefits of Kidney Cancer Treatment with Regular CT Scans
Early Detection of Recurrence
The earlier cancer recurrence is detected, the more treatment options are available and the better the chances of successful treatment. CT scans help doctors find any signs of cancer coming back, giving you the opportunity to start treatment early before the cancer spreads.
Reducing the Need for More Invasive Treatments
When complications are detected early through CT scans, they can often be treated without the need for surgery or other invasive procedures. For example, if an infection is found, it can be treated with antibiotics rather than requiring surgery. This means fewer disruptions to your life and a smoother recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CT scans play a vital role in post-surgery care for kidney cancer patients. They help doctors detect any cancer recurrence, monitor for complications, check kidney function and assess the healing process. For patients who undergo robotic kidney cancer surgery in Mumbai, Dr. Anup Ramani provides an essential tool in maintaining long-term health and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
By using scans as part of a regular follow-up plan, you and your doctor can catch any problems early, make informed decisions about your care and prevent more serious complications in the future.
FAQs About kidney cancer
Why are CT scans important after robotic kidney cancer surgery?
CT scans help detect cancer recurrence, monitor kidney function and check for complications like infections or fluid buildup, ensuring the recovery process is smooth.
Are there any risks associated with regular CT scans?
CT scans involve radiation, but the benefits of detecting issues early outweigh the potential risks.
How does robotic kidney cancer surgery compare to traditional methods?
Robotic surgery is minimal invasive, offering smaller incisions, less blood loss and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Can CT scans detect kidney function issues after surgery?
Yes, CT scans provide detailed images of the kidney’s structure and blood flow, helping doctors detect any issues affecting kidney function.
Table of Contents
Recent Blogs
- What Happens During Robotic Adrenalectomy: Understa ...
- Important Tips before Going for Minimal Invasive Ro ...
- Why Total Penectomy is Still Necessary for Advanced ...
- Why Regular CT Scans are Essential after Robotic Kidney Cancer Surgery for Long-Term Health?
- Enhancing Patient Comfort and Recovery Kidney Stone ...
Best Uro-Oncological surgeon
Specialist in India for Robotic Surgery
MCh, DNB, MS, DNB
Dr. Anup Ramani
CONTACT
Uro-Oncologist in India,
Best Robotic Surgeon for Uro Oncology Surgery
1407, One Lodha Place Next to World Towers Senapati Bapat Marg, Worli, Mumbai. 400013.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
- 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 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.