Clínic removes kidney tumors with new method

Barcelona’s Clínic hospital has successfully used a new technique for eradicating malign tumors from kidneys that avoids a full nephrectomy (removal) and improves the partial form of the operation so that renal function remains intact and avoids the need for dialysis. It is the first time the technique has been used in Europe, under doctor Antonio Alcaraz, the head of the hospital’s urology service, following the instructions from the Chinese hospital were it was first carried out.

Rather than cutting off the blood flow to the kidney to stop it working, creating a limited window to remove the cancer, the new technique keeps the kidney active and gives surgeons more time to remove the tumor, while reducing the risks of damaging the kidney. The technique was presented during the Urofòrum event that ended in the Clínic hospital yesterday, in which laparoscopic surgery (with small incisions and cameras) was successful on patients with tumors up to 7 cm.

“If oncologically we’re good at treating tumors, it’s a shame we send patients for dialysis, which is what we want to avoid with this technique,” said Alcaraz, who explained the technique alongside colleague, doctor Raúl Martos.

The Clínic hospital carries out a hundred kidney operations every year, and estimates that 10% of the patients could benefit from this technique.