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Robot Assisted Kidney Transplant

Dec 10 , 2020 | 1 min read

Open kidney transplant is an established procedure, considered the best treatment for end stage renal failure. However, it carries all the disadvantages of open surgeries. Wound infections are especially troublesome in obese, diabetic and immunosuppressed patients. Post-transplant wound infection can have adverse effects on ultimate graft kidney outcomes. Children and young ladies are most effected by unsightly scar.

Laparoscopic surgery was attempted for kidney transplant procedures, but complex vascular suturing and limits of cold ischemia time were major deterrents. It remained confined to only a few centres and never gained wide popularity.

The advent of da Vinci® surgical system (dVSS) revolutionized minimally invasive surgery. The operating surgeon sits on the console and commands robotic arms (miniaturised hands), which go inside the patient body through small punctures, to do even the most complicated surgical procedures. The surgeon console has magnified 3-D vision capacity, which greatly enhances patient safety.

First robot assisted kidney transplant (RAKT) was performed in France in 2002. Since then, it is gradually gaining foothold in transplant arena. Majority of work is being done in India, Europe and few centres in USA. World wide experience has established its functional outcomes comparable to open transplant. The patient has got multiple benefits

Lesser pain – early mobility, early recovery
Less chance of wound infection – no adverse effect on graft function
Less blood loss
Minimal scars, improved cosmetic effects

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Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi is amongst the few centres across the world routinely doing RAKT. Our acclaimed transplant surgeons have rich experience in operating the most advanced, da Vinci® Xi surgical robot. Till date, more than 100 patients, including kids and adults, men and women, Indians and foreign patients have been successfully cured with this “state of the art technology” and are living testimony to our commitment of patient centric care.