How are kidney tumors removed?
: Traditionally, a large incision was made through all the muscles on one’s side, and the kidney was removed. Alternatively, just the tumor was removed through this large incision and part of the kidney was left behind. These large open surgeries are rapidly being replaced by minimally-invasive surgeries using robots and laparoscopes. In the modern era, large and painful open surgeries with large incisions are not necessary in most patients. These surgeries can be performed robotically with the same results, smaller incisions, less pain and much less recovery time.
