A surgical technique called partial nephrectomy is performed to remove only the diseased part of your kidney and spare the healthy, functioning kidney tissue.

Sparing kidney tissue is important because studies show that patients who have their entire kidney removed are more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) after surgery than patients who received a kidney-sparing partial nephrectomy. The American Urological Association states that partial nephrectomy is considered the treatment of choice for most T1 renal masses (small to medium-sized kidney tumors).

Inova's state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotic surgical system provides a minimally invasive surgical option for partial nephrectomy. The tool allows your doctor to perform a precise operation through a few tiny incision and provides enhanced vision, dexterity and control.

Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery over open surgery include:

• Excellent clinical outcomes and cancer control
• Short hospital stay
• Low blood loss
• Precise tumor removal and kidney reconstruction
• Greater chance of preserving the kidney, in certain cancer operations
• Low rate of operative complications

Talk with your surgeon about whether robotic-assisted surgery is an option for you. Or call 1-855-My-Inova (1-855-694-6682) for a referral to one of our da Vinci robotic surgical specialists.