Urology services join forces in renal surgery research

The urology services of Maria Middelares and UZ Gent joined forces in research into the added value of using an innovative 3D kidney model in the treatment of kidney cancer. The aim is to remove tumours in the kidney more efficiently, while sparing the kidney as much as possible.

Prof Dr Karel Decaestecker: "As an innovative hospital, we have been conducting research on the application of 3D models in robotic surgery for kidney tumours for some time. We have now entered the next study phase where we are comparing the course and outcome of operations with and without 3D models in a randomised trial."

"Using a 3D kidney model, you as a surgeon can paint a clearer picture to the patient about what will happen during surgery. We also hope using the model will give us a better chance of performing a successful partial kidney removal with minimal loss of healthy kidney tissue. The goal is to operate on a total of 235 patients, then we will start working on the results."

Thanks to Foundation Against Cancer for financial support.