Kidney Cancer Surgery Melbourne

What Is Kidney Cancer?
(Kidney Masses & Tumours)

Renal masses refer to abnormal growths or tumours that develop within the kidneys. These masses can be either benign or malignant, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common type of kidney cancer. Understanding the causes and selecting appropriate surgical approaches, such as radical and partial robotic nephrectomy, play a vital role in managing renal masses effectively.

Causes of kidney masses

The causes of renal masses can vary, and while some are non-cancerous (benign), others can be cancerous (malignant). Common causes include:

  1. Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): This is the most prevalent form of kidney cancer, accounting for the majority of renal masses. RCC arises from the cells lining the small tubes within the kidney.
  2. Benign Kidney Tumours: Various benign tumours can develop in the kidneys, such as renal adenomas and oncocytomas. Although these tumours are non-cancerous, they may require treatment if they grow large or cause symptoms.
  3. Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC): A type of cancer that starts in the lining of the renal pelvis, where the urine collects before moving into the ureter.
  4. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Polycystic Kidney Disease is a chronic disease that affects the functioning of the kidney, often increasing the risk of developing kidney cancer.
  5. Other Conditions: Renal masses can also be caused by cysts, abscesses, and angiomyolipomas. High blood pressure has also been linked with an increased risk of kidney cancer among other less common conditions.

Types of kidney surgery

Surgical intervention is often required to treat renal masses, and the choice of procedure depends on various factors, including the size, location, and nature of the mass, as well as the patient’s overall health. Two primary surgical approaches are radical and partial nephrectomy, both of are generally performed using robotic-assisted techniques.

  1. Radical Robotic Nephrectomy: This procedure involves the complete removal of the affected kidney and surrounding tissues. It is typically reserved for cases where the renal mass is large, cancerous, or has spread beyond the kidney. 

  2. Partial Robotic Nephrectomy: In cases where the renal mass is small and confined to a specific area of the kidney, partial nephrectomy is considered. This approach involves removing only the tumor while preserving the healthy part of the kidney. Partial nephrectomy is especially beneficial for patients with smaller renal masses, as it helps maintain better kidney function and reduces the risk of long-term kidney-related complications.

Robotic-assisted nephrectomy has revolutionised kidney surgery by offering several advantages over traditional open surgery and laparoscopic approaches. Robotic systems provide enhanced visualization, greater precision, and improved maneuverability for the surgeon. This translates to smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.

How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

Kidney cancer can be difficult to identify if you don’t know what to look for. There is a range of kidney cancer symptoms that could indicate the development of tumours or other masses in your kidneys. If you have noticed your urine change to a darker, rusty colour or blood passing through your system it could be indicating a blockage.

Likewise, excessive exhaustion, sudden weight loss and lower back pain can all indicate that you could have kidney issues, or be developing kidney cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek treatment from your doctor, as kidney cancer can only be diagnosed through specific tests.

If your doctor suspects you have kidney cancer, they may conduct tests such as analysing your blood and urine, imaging tests such as X-rays and Ultrasounds to look for lumps, or conducting a biopsy to test your kidney cells for cancer.

Kidney Cancer Treatments

If you have received a kidney cancer diagnosis, there are a number of different treatment options your doctor may suggest pursuing. Most kidney cancers are treated through surgery, by removing the whole affected kidney or conducting a partial removal of the cancerous cells to prevent the spread of the disease and preserve normal kidney tissue.

Though surgery for kidney cancer is the most common treatment, there are other options. Radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy have all been used to treat kidney cancer.

Radiofrequency ablation is when radio waves are used to heat and destroy diseased tissue. Often called minimally invasive surgery, this can be a less intimidating way to treat a malignant disease. Cryotherapy is a similar treatment, however, instead of using heat, it freezes the diseased cells to treat the cancer. Stereotactic body radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body with radiation to kill the cancerous cells.

While these treatments can be employed to treat kidney cancer, surgery is often the preferred option as it completely removes the kidney tumour without the need for prolonged dialysis treatment that can weigh heavily on patients.

Types of Kidney Cancer Surgery

Surgical intervention is often required to treat renal masses, and the choice of procedure depends on various factors, including the size, location, and nature of the mass, as well as the patient’s overall health.

If you’re seeking treatment, our Melbourne Urologist Dr. Marlon Perera has a special interest in these procedures and can provide comprehensive consultations.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a form of keyhole surgery. Small cuts are made into the abdominal area and a camera is used to help guide the surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is most often used to diagnose and treat kidney cancers.

Open Surgery

Open surgery is where the area of the body is cut to reveal the interior organs for the surgeon to perform surgery. This is a more traditional form of surgery and has been used to perform kidney cancer surgery for a long time.

Robotic Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted nephrectomy has revolutionised kidney surgery by offering several advantages over traditional open surgery and laparoscopic surgery approaches. Robotic surgery provides enhanced visualisation, greater precision, and improved maneuverability for the surgeon. This translates to smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.

This procedure involves the complete removal of the affected kidney and surrounding tissues. It is typically reserved for cases where the renal mass is large, cancerous, or has spread beyond the kidney. This surgery is performed using robotic-assisted techniques.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

In cases where the renal mass is small and confined to a specific area of the kidney, partial nephrectomy is considered. This approach involves removing only the tumour while preserving the healthy part of the kidney. Partial nephrectomy is especially beneficial for patients with smaller renal masses, as it helps maintain better kidney function and reduces the risk of long-term kidney-related complications.

“Robotic systems ... translates to smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy.”

— Dr. Marlon Perera

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