Urology NSW
Kidney Conditions
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Comprehensive Kidney Care

Dr Raji Kooner provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of kidney conditions. With extensive experience in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, Dr Kooner offers patients the latest techniques for optimal outcomes and faster recovery times.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is one of the more common cancers, particularly in males.1 Today, most kidney cancers are detected incidentally during scans performed for other reasons such as abdominal pain or other symptoms.2

Dr Kooner was one of the first surgeons in Australia to perform laparoscopic (keyhole) removal of kidney cancers. Current evidence strongly supports partial nephrectomy (removing only the tumour and part of the kidney) whenever possible, rather than removing the entire kidney.3 This approach:

  • Preserves kidney function3
  • Reduces the risk of future dialysis4
  • Achieves the same cure rates as complete kidney removal5

Dr Kooner offers multiple surgical approaches including:

  • Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy - The gold standard for smaller tumours, allowing precise removal while preserving healthy kidney tissue
  • Laparoscopic nephrectomy - Keyhole surgery for larger tumours requiring complete kidney removal
  • Open surgery - For complex cases involving very large tumours

Learn more about Kidney Cancer treatment...

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones affect approximately 12% of people and can cause severe pain radiating from the loin to the groin area.6 Dr Kooner provides comprehensive kidney stone management including:

  • Ureteroscopy - Using a thin telescope to reach and fragment stones with laser or lithotripsy
  • Flexible ureteroscopy with laser - For complex stones within the kidney
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - Non-invasive shockwave treatment for kidney stones
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) - Keyhole surgery for large staghorn stones

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone. Small stones (less than 4mm) may pass naturally with conservative management, while larger stones typically require intervention.7

Learn more about Kidney Stone treatment...

Robotic Kidney Surgery

Dr Kooner is a pioneer in robotic surgery in Australia, having performed the first robot-assisted nephrectomy for kidney cancer in the country. The da Vinci surgical system provides:8

  • Enhanced precision and dexterity
  • Improved visualisation with 3D high-definition imaging
  • Smaller incisions and reduced scarring
  • Faster recovery times
  • Reduced blood loss

Robotic surgery is particularly beneficial for partial nephrectomy, allowing Dr Kooner to remove tumours from challenging locations while preserving maximum healthy kidney tissue.

Learn more about Robotic Surgery...

Why Choose Dr Kooner for Kidney Care?

  • Over 2000 robotic procedures performed
  • First surgeon in Australia to perform robot-assisted nephrectomy
  • Pioneer of laparoscopic kidney surgery in Australia
  • Extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques
  • Comprehensive approach from diagnosis to treatment

If you have been diagnosed with a kidney condition or would like a second opinion, please contact Dr Kooner's office on 02 8382 6980 or complete the second opinion form.

References

  1. Cancer Australia - Kidney cancer statistics - https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/kidney-cancer/statistics
  2. Capitanio U, Bensalah K, Bex A, et al. Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma. European Urology. 2019;75(1):74-84. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2018.08.036
  3. European Association of Urology - Guidelines on Renal Cell Carcinoma - https://uroweb.org/guidelines/renal-cell-carcinoma
  4. Weight CJ, Larson BT, Fergany AF, et al. Nephrectomy induced chronic renal insufficiency is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death and death from any cause in patients with localized cT1b renal masses. J Urol. 2010;183(4):1317-1323.
  5. Van Poppel H, Da Pozzo L, Albrecht W, et al. A prospective, randomised EORTC intergroup phase 3 study comparing the oncologic outcome of elective nephron-sparing surgery and radical nephrectomy for low-stage renal cell carcinoma. Eur Urol. 2011;59(4):543-552.
  6. Sewell J, Shoshany O, Katz DJ, et al. Urolithiasis - Ten things every general practitioner should know. Australian Family Physician. 2017;46(9):648-652.
  7. Kidney stones: Treatment options for kidney stones - Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). National Library of Medicine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK348939/
  8. Ghani KR, Sukumar S, Sammon JD, et al. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy improves perioperative outcomes and reduces hospital stay. Eur Urol Focus. 2018;4(5):702-710. doi:10.1016/j.euf.2017.02.005