Kidney stones and other anomalies of the kidney
There are numerous of conditions of the kidney that requires reconstructive surgery. Historically, open surgery was utilized to perform corrective surgery for these conditions resulting in significant morbidity for the patient. With new minimally invasive surgical techniques and equipment, all these conditions can now be treated with either laparoscopic or robotic treatment options. Smaller kidney stones can easily be treated with laser fragmentation of the stone as a day procedure. Larger kidney stones, too large to be treated with the laser technique can effectively be removed intact by means of laparoscopic surgery, thus preventing prolonged convalescence time.
KIDNEY CANCER
Kidney cancer is common in South Africa with 6600 new cases being diagnosed annually. Kidney cancer often displays no symptoms, and symptoms sometimes only show when the cancer is already at an advanced stage. However, the following symptoms may indicate that kidney cancer is present:
1.Blood in your urine
2.Pain on your abdomen
3.Flank pain
4.Possible flank mass.
Be prepared...have your kidneys checked for cancer or other conditions that can be surgically corrected. If kidney cancer is detected in the early stages; only the cancer from the kidney can be removed, preserving function in the rest of the kidney. With the robotic surgery technique, one can remove only the cancer and leave the rest of the kidney intact and therefore prevent the patient from needing dialysis. Dr. MC Conradie performed the first robotic partial nephrectomy in SA at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital in March 2016 and has since performed this procedure at regular interval, preventing many patients from end stage renal disease. For more information, contact Dr. Conradie's office for an appointment.