Surgeons utilize robotic assistance to remove 5cm long tumour and preserve the patient’s kidney
Chennai: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), successfully performs Chennai’s first Retroperitoneal Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RRAPN), showcasing its commitment to advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques.
The complex procedure was performed on a 40-year-old patient from Bangladesh who had a 5cm long tumour located near the kidney’s major blood vessels – a challenging position that made the surgery particularly intricate.
Previously evaluated at multiple hospitals in Bangladesh, he was advised to undergo a radical nephrectomy—complete removal of the kidney. Traditional recommendations for such cases often involve a radical nephrectomy (complete kidney removal). However, the team at APCC pursued an approach, utilizing robotic assistance to remove the tumour while preserving the patient’s kidney.
The innovative surgery not only preserved the kidney but also minimized surgical risks and ensured faster recovery. APCC’s skilled team of surgeons leveraged advanced robotic technology through a retroperitoneal approach, avoiding the abdominal cavity. The patient experienced minimal postoperative complications and was able to resume normal activities within days.
This achievement highlights APCC’s expertise and leadership in delivering exceptional care, offering renewed hope to patients with complex renal tumours.
Explaining the approach, Dr N Ragavan, Senior Consultant, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, APCC and Dr Madhav Tiwari, Consultant-robotic Surgery, APCC, said: “This particular case was challenging due to the tumour’s location and associated risks, and it required exceptional precision and teamwork, as the smaller operating space demands highly skilled and synchronized efforts. By utilizing the retroperitoneal robotic technique, we accessed the kidney directly from the back, bypassing the abdominal cavity entirely. This approach minimized surgical risks, preserving the kidney’s function, and enabled a swift recovery. This milestone sets a new benchmark for kidney surgeries in the region, showcasing our commitment to redefining standards in advanced medical care.” Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Sets a New Benchmark in Renal Surgery with RRAPN procedure
