Robot-assisted renal transplantation has become extremely useful as it results in quicker recovery
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket’s department of Urology and Renal Transplantation hosted– Max Transplant – Surgicon 2018, an academic conference on December 8-9, 2018. The conference was exclusively dedicated to the surgical advancements that were made in the field of renal transplantation and also focused on managing intra-operative complications by showcasing a live surgery on December 9, 2018.
Leading doctors across India participated in the two-day conference. The programme was designed to enable the sharing of knowledge and experience of the several eminent speakers, on the latest trends and treatment options for the management of diseases related to kidney transplantation. New emerging modalities in renal transplant were discussed amongst experts on the following themes – transplant surgery in multiple vessels, organ distribution in deceased donor – legal issues, complication in cadaver transplant, understanding ABO incompatible renal transplant, role of newer immunosuppressants, operation in difficult access for AVF, etc.There was a live demonstration of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and robotic kidney transplantation. Robotic kidney transplantaion is a new emerging modality to decrease morbidity of open kidney transplantation. It is a boon for obese patients and young females.
Dr Anant Kumar, Chairman – Urology, Renal Transplant, Robotics and Uro-Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, commented, “In the last few years, there have been many advances in renal replacement and organ support, namely In terms of innovation and technology, robot-assisted renal transplantation has become extremely useful as it results in quicker recovery, less pain and smaller scar with quicker healing. Unlike regular surgeries for kidney transplantation where the patient receives the kidney through a larger muscle cutting process, robotic surgery is conducted with only a small incision and involves no cutting of muscle. Blood loss during surgery and scope for human error are also minimised. We also remove donor kidneys by laparoscopic methods so donors have minimal discomfort and excellent cosmetic results.”
He further added, “Most people can have a second, or even a third transplant. However, the wait for a second transplant is usually longer. The success of a second transplant is on average as good as for a first transplant. With robot-assisted renal transplantation, a second transplant surgery is comparatively easier to conduct.”
Dr Ruchir Maheshwari- senior transplant surgeon, Max Hospital said, “In India, there is a huge discrepancy between the demand and supply of organ donation. Every year, approximately 2 lakh new patients develop chronic kidney failure, while only 5000 transplantation surgeries take place. The biggest reason is lack of awareness among people on the advanced treatment options available and the unavailability of donors. Usually people are sceptical about their own well-being when they are asked to donate one kidney. We need to understand that donating one kidney does not affect the physical abilities, quality of life or longevity of a person.”
Robot- assisted surgeries are currently revolutionising the way surgeries are conducted across the globe. Such surgeries involve minimal blood loss, quick recovery, shorter hospital stay and a faster return to the normal life.