Kidney Care: Doctor Explains The Role Of Robotic Surgery And Prevention Procedures

Kidney health plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s overall wellbeing, as these bean-shaped organs are responsible for filtering waste, balancing fluids and regulating blood pressure. However, rising rates of kidney disease, kidney stones, and related complications have highlighted the urgent need for more effective prevention and treatment methods. India is facing a rising health crisis more and more people are being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Between 2011 and 2017, around 11 per cent of adults showed signs of CKD. That number has now climbed to over 16 per cent between 2018 and 2023. Today, roughly 1 in every 6 adults in India may be silently living with damaged kidneys. While lifestyle modifications and early medical interventions remain essential, modern medicine is now equipped with advanced tools like robotic surgery to address complex kidney conditions with greater precision and safety.

Robotic-assisted surgeries have revolutionised the field of urology by offering minimally invasive solutions for various kidney issues, including tumours, obstructions and stones. These procedures ensure less pain, smaller incisions, faster recovery, and improved outcomes. In parallel, preventive strategies, ranging from hydration and dietary habits to regular screenings and medical management of risk factors like diabetes and hypertension, are just as crucial in reducing the burden of kidney disease. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Mahendra Bhandari, CEO of Vattikuti Foundation, shares how the integration of robotic technology and proactive care is reshaping the future of kidney health.

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Prevention Starts Early

To stop kidney disease in its tracks, we must start early. Preventing diabetes and high blood pressure through better diets, exercise, quitting tobacco, and reducing salt intake is the first step. But we must also raise awareness. Dr Mahendra Bhandari states, “People need to understand the early warning signs swelling, tiredness, or foamy urine and the importance of simple tests for kidney health.” A blood test and urine check at a local clinic could save someone from years of silent kidney damage. The mantra is early diagnosis.

The Kidney Tissue Conservation Movement

Alongside prevention, we must also focus on saving healthy kidney tissue what we might call the Kidney Tissue Conservation Movement. Dr Mahendra Bhandari explains, “The idea is simple but powerful: whenever surgery is needed for kidney problems like tumours, blockages, or even transplant-related issues, preserve as much of the healthy kidney as possible.
This is where robotic surgery plays a major role.”

Robotic-assisted surgeries allow doctors to operate with extreme precision using small cuts. The surgeon can see in high detail and move with steady, fine control. Dr Mahendra Bhandari adds, “This means only the diseased part is removed while the rest of the kidney is left untouched.” For example, if a kidney tumour needs to be taken out in a person with a single kidney, robotic tools allow doctors to avoid harming the surrounding healthy parts. This can make a huge difference in how well the kidney works afterwards, avoiding or delaying the occurrence of kidney failure and its consequences dialysis and kidney transplants.

By preserving more working kidney tissue, patients recover faster and stay healthier longer. They avoid lifelong dialysis, remain more active, and often return to work or school sooner. Dr Mahendra Bhandari states, “Compared to open surgery, robotic kidney surgery causes less pain, less bleeding, fewer infections, and much shorter hospital stays, often just 1 or 2 days. Recovery takes just 2–3 weeks, compared to 6–8 weeks after open surgery.”

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A National Priority: Saving Healthy Kidney Tissue, Saving Lives

Every kidney has about a million tiny filters called nephrons. Once lost, nephrons cannot grow back. The goal of the Kidney Tissue Conservation Movement is to save as many nephrons as possible for every person, in every procedure. This is not just a technical goal for surgeons. It must become a public movement. Just as people now understand the importance of heart health and preserving heart muscle during treatment, we need the same mindset for kidney care: save the nephrons and the patient should explore the possibility of discussing it with their surgeons.

How Robotic Surgery Helps In Precision Treatment Of Kidney Disease (Image Credits: Freepik)

A Four-Part Strategy for Kidney Health in India

Prevent disease by controlling sugar, blood pressure, and obesity.

Educate the public so they understand early symptoms and act in time.

Diagnose early with simple, community-based testing linked to expert care.

Preserve kidney tissue using advanced tools like robotic surgery when surgery is needed.

India has made great strides in robotic surgery, with skilled doctors performing not only prostate and kidney tumour surgeries but even robotic kidney transplants. However, access to these technologies must reach beyond major cities to benefit more patients.

Kidney disease can no longer be fought with treatment alone. India must build a movement—one that blends prevention, early diagnosis, public education, and kidney-conserving surgery. By protecting healthy kidney tissue and acting before it’s too late, we can reduce suffering, lower costs, and give millions a better chance at a healthy life.