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Robot Assisted Nephrectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.

AMBULATORY CARE:

Robot-assisted nephrectomy (RAN)

is surgery to remove part or all of your kidney through small incisions in your abdomen. RAN is done with a machine that is controlled by your surgeon. The machine has mechanical arms that use small tools to remove your kidney.

Kidney, Ureters, Bladder

How to prepare for RAN:

What will happen during RAN:

You may have a radical (total) or partial nephrectomy. For a radical nephrectomy, your surgeon will remove the whole kidney. Your surgeon may also remove the ureter (tube that connects the kidney and the bladder), the adrenal gland, or lymph nodes. The adrenal gland sits on top of your kidney and produces hormones. For a partial nephrectomy, your surgeon will remove only the diseased parts of the kidney.

What to expect after RAN:

Risks of RAN:

You may get an infection or bleed more than expected. Your surgeon may need to change the surgery from laparoscopic to open. This means you will need 1 large incision. Nerves, blood vessels, muscles, or organs may be damaged. Urine may leak into surrounding tissues. This may occur if the urinary tract is damaged during surgery or the incision does not heal properly. The carbon dioxide used during surgery may cause shoulder or chest pain for 1 to 2 days after your surgery. Your other kidney may not work as well as it did before.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your surgeon or urologist if:

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Self-care:

Follow up with your surgeon or urologist as directed:

You may need to return to have your wounds checked and stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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Further information

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