Kidney Cancer
Cancer of the kidney is usually staged with a CT scan or an MRI scan > biopsy of the kidney > scans to confirm metastasis > curative intent/referral to oncologists.
If the patients CT or MRI shows a suspicious lesion on your kidney, the patient will be sent to have a biopsy of the kidney. Once the biopsy results return, the patient will have a consultation with Dr Al Sameraaii in regard to the options available.
Treatment for Kidney Cancer
Robotic-Assisted Nephrectomy (Radical/Partial)
After the patient is put to sleep by the anaesthetist, tiny incisions are made in the abdomen and instruments are inserted into the ports inside the abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with a gas that is generally a higher pressure than the veins pressure to minimise bleeding.
We then control the Da Vinci Robot which gives us a 3D like image inside the abdomen and four “arms” inside the abdomen which is similar to having a spare set of hands inside. The robot allows us up to 10x magnification and we can move the cameras inside the abdomen to see around corners.
Using the robot, the colon is moved away from the kidney. The artery, vein and ureter are stapled or clipped shut, permanently cutting off the kidney’s blood supply and stopping the flow of urine. Dr Al-Sameraaii then detaches the kidney from nearby organs and the kidney is removed through one of the incisions.
Location: St Vincent’s Private Hospital (Sydney) – Performed by Dr Al Sameraaii and Dr Raji Kooner
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
After the patient is put to sleep by the anaesthetist, tiny incisions are made for Dr Al Sameraaii to insert his instruments. A laparoscopic nephrectomy is done through these small incisions where Dr Al Sameraaii inserts his instruments and camera which he controls with his hands.
The colon is moved away from the kidney. The artery, vein and ureter are stapled or clipped shut, permanently cutting off the kidney’s blood supply and stopping the flow of urine. Dr Al Sameraaii then detaches the kidney from nearby organs and the kidney is removed through one of the incisions.