Partial nephrectomy advances have recently brought us both laparoscopic robotic partial nephrectomy and the other localized solution for kidney tumors called cryotherapy of the kidney. Laparoscopic robotic partial nephrectomy is performed with the da Vinci robotic system which has a console for the surgeon with a 3D high definition magnified view of the surgical site. Dr Fernando J Bianco and Dr. Alan Nieder often team up when using the da Vinci robot to train urologists and fellows in nephrectomy, prostate removal and cystectomy procedures

Partial nephrectomy advances have allowed South Florida residents the opportunity to now get a chance to save their kidney with a partial nephrectomy and a minimally invasive procedure that will make just three ¼ to ½ inch incisions, plus have it done by the leaders in urologic oncology right in their backyard.

Laparoscopic robotic partial nephrectomy has several advantages over the other partial nephrectomy methods. The ability to have a full 360 degree rotation of the instruments which allows for better dexterity and control giving rise to a more refined ability to suture then conventional laparoscopic surgery. The da Vinci system also removes the shakes and quivers of the human hand creating a very smooth surgical procedure. Of course the magnified 3D high definition visualization allow our surgeons to see details that are not seen by the human eye during open partial nephrectomy or seen up on the 2D standard laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. 

Kidney cryotherapy is another procedure that is offered at the Miami urology center in the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Kidney cryotherapy or cryoablation of the kidney is a procedure that freezes the tumor in the kidney, killing the renal cell carcinoma. Cryoablation of the kidney freezes the kidney tumor to -100 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Celsius below zero. Once the tumor is frozen it is then thawed. It is during thawing that the cancer cells die. To make sure the cancer cells die the tumor is frozen again and again thawed.

The “cryo” or freezing is performed by placing a needle(s) under ultrasound guidance into the kidney tumor. The needles have passages in them that allow gas to flow in them to freeze the metal needle(s) which turns the tumor into an ice ball. The urologist watches the ice ball form in the kidney with ultrasound. Once the ice ball encompasses the whole kidney tumor the freezing gas is sent out of the needles and another gas is sent into the needle(s) causing the needle(s) to heat up and thaw the ice ball tumor. When the tumor is thawed out the freezing gas is once again pumped in to freeze the kidney tumor a second time and then thawed again to make sure the all the cancer cells are destroyed.

Partial nephrectomy advances are now happening here for an appointment call 305 674 2499 or simply sign up for an appointment just click our make an appointment button, or for questions you would like the doctors to answer simply click the ask the doctor button.