Hong Kong patient undergoes robotic removal of a giant kidney tumour at HKU Shenzhen

A 71-year-old Hong Kong man underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic removal of a large left kidney tumour at the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital. His care required preparation for hypertension, diabetes, severe anaemia, abnormal coagulation and low blood protein, as well as the tumour itself.

Growth found at follow-up

Mr Yang, a pseudonym, had a left renal lesion detected during a Hong Kong health examination about a year earlier but had not had it treated then. By an April 2025 review, the tumour measured around 20 centimetres.

He also had marked weight loss and dizziness, raising strong suspicion of malignancy. The large tumour and existing health problems made surgery high risk. After seeking advice at several hospitals, his family accompanied him across the border to Shenzhen.

At admission, investigations found severe anaemia, impaired coagulation and low protein levels. The tumour occupied much of the left abdominal and pelvic space, leaving limited room to operate.

Multidisciplinary preparation

Urology consulted endocrinology, haematology, nutrition and anaesthesiology to plan perioperative care. They controlled blood pressure and glucose, corrected anaemia and coagulation problems, and improved nutrition before surgery.

Following this assessment, the team chose a robot-assisted laparoscopic approach. Urologist Cheng Xiaobao described the need to work in a confined space around complex anatomy while accounting for the patient’s age and condition.

Removal and recovery in Hong Kong

The surgeons used a three-dimensional high-definition view and articulated robotic arms to separate adhesions between the tumour, surrounding vessels and organs.

The hospital reported complete tumour removal. The specimen containing the tumour and kidney tissue measured nearly 25 centimetres, while blood loss during the operation was tens of millilitres.

Afterwards, anaemia and coagulation indices improved, and the hospital described good nutritional and mental condition. By the August 13, 2025 account, Yang had been discharged and returned to Hong Kong.