Open Vs. Laparoscopic Open Partial Nephrectomy

My name is Sal, I was recently diagnosed with a 2.7cm mass on my left kidney.  I’m currently in the process of researching my treatment options and doctors to perform my surgery. I hoping that someone can share their experiences on this subject.   Thanks

 

On 3/18/2008 Sraine wrote:

My name is Sal, I was recently diagnosed with a 2.7cm mass on my left kidney.  I’m currently in the process of researching my treatment options and doctors to perform my surgery. I hoping that someone can share their experiences on this subject.   Thanks

 

Three and half years ago I was lucky enough to have a great urologist (Michael Solomon) that found two very large tumors, one benign and one malignant and both even luckier on one kidney.  Within two weeks I had a Nephrectomy that was performed lapascopicly. Four months ago during one of my regular six month CT Scans, two lymph nodes and a lesion showed up and classified by default as Phase 4 RCC.  I am now on a Clinical Trial of Sudent and Rad 001 from Dr. Glenn Kroog out of Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.  If you or anyone else needs someone to chat with you are welcome to call me at

--Message edited by CancerCompass staff. For personal protection, phone number removed. Consider private reply. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html--

.  I am an anal kind of guy and can offer you some suggestions that might save you valuable time.

Respectfully, Myron W

 

I was diagnosed earlier this month with kidney cancer and and am having a robot assisted partial neph. on April 9th.  The surgery does not bother me, but the prospects of a recurrence TERRIFIES me.  My cancer is also in the left kidney and also is about the same size as yours.  In addition, I have a suspicious lesion in my right lung.  A PET scan indicated the kidney is cancerous but the lung was inconclusive but did "pick up" a very small amount of contrast.  It is in the right hilar region which cannot be biopsied.

I have been questioning my decision to go with the partial neph but understand the two surgeons will decide if they need to take it all.  In a way I wish I could be awake so they can ask MY opinion once they get in there but know that is not possible.  Do you know yet when you may be scheduled, and what tests have been planned?  I am also curious as to how you found out? 

 

 

On 3/18/2008 Sraine wrote:

My name is Sal, I was recently diagnosed with a 2.7cm mass on my left kidney.  I’m currently in the process of researching my treatment options and doctors to perform my surgery. I hoping that someone can share their experiences on this subject.   Thanks

Hi! Sal,     Here's my story. In March 97 I noticed blood in my urine and had all the testing done. the Dx was kidney cancer in left kidney. The tumor had engulfed the entire kidney.Within 5 days my Dr. removed the kidney.nodes and everything on left side. All margins were clear. Continued to be monitored until 05 when Dr released me. In July 07 I had a cough that would not leave, so I went to Fam. Dr who ordered X-ray then CT which showed enlarged nodes in lungs. Sent to Onc. who referred me to MD Anderson in Houston to try hd IL2.After 14 doses The tumors were stable,also they said the risk out weighed the benefit so I came home. Then in Dec. 07 my shoulder began to hurt, after testing again it had met in the bone of my shoulder. Now I am on my 3 round of Sutent and I get Zometa every 4 weeks. The last CT showed me to be stable & 1 tumor in lung shrank 2mm. I feel fine except for shoulder and meds take care of that otherwise I'm doing great. Live each day to the max and am greatful for every sunrise   Take Care     John

 

Thanks for responding, tomorrow 4/1, I have a meeting with my fourth surgeon and will make a decision to schedule my surgery, definitely in April.  I'm opting for an open partial neph.  After talking to three surgeons, I realized the overwhelming open provides the most effective method to deal with a partial, due to the fact that it just gives the surgeon more time to work, since the kidney can be iced.  My goal is to preserve the Kidney.    

They incidentally found a cyst on an MRI taken to diagnose a sciatica problem, which was unrelated.   I have since taken a sonogram and CT tests, which confirmed it is a solid mass.  If cancer, statistically the cure rate is ~92%, also there is a 20% chance its benign, not bad odds.  

Good luck on the 8th, hope your surgery goes well.

Let’s keep in touch, 

Sal 

 

  

On 3/21/2008 BINKIE wrote:

I was diagnosed earlier this month with kidney cancer and and am having a robot assisted partial neph. on April 9th.  The surgery does not bother me, but the prospects of a recurrence TERRIFIES me.  My cancer is also in the left kidney and also is about the same size as yours.  In addition, I have a suspicious lesion in my right lung.  A PET scan indicated the kidney is cancerous but the lung was inconclusive but did "pick up" a very small amount of contrast.  It is in the right hilar region which cannot be biopsied.

I have been questioning my decision to go with the partial neph but understand the two surgeons will decide if they need to take it all.  In a way I wish I could be awake so they can ask MY opinion once they get in there but know that is not possible.  Do you know yet when you may be scheduled, and what tests have been planned?  I am also curious as to how you found out? 

 

 

My mother at the age of 57 found out she had a large tumor on her left kidney. The uroligist said the best was a "old fashion insion" so that no cancer cell would be left behind or spread  when being removed. Her recovery was only 4 days in the hospital, but  six weeks of no lifting. They had a chance to look at everything when they had her open to see if it was in her thymph nodes. Good luck with your surgery!

Please feel free to ask more questions.

Hope