24, MARCH, 2026

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Photographs attached:

Photo 1: Surgical Urology Team

Photo 2: The da Vinci surgical robot

Tayside patients receiving ‘gold standard’ treatment with introduction of advanced robotic kidney surgery

Patients in Tayside who require surgery for kidney tumours are now benefitting from advanced robotic surgery following the arrival of specialist equipment that enables surgeons to deliver a ‘gold standard’ treatment locally.

Brian McGuigan from Dundee, became one of the first patients to undergo a robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal cancer using the new equipment at Ninewells Hospital in January 2026. His operation was completed successfully and he is recovering well after receiving the positive news that his tumour has been removed.

Brian said, “It was fantastic to get it on my doorstep and to get that news that they seem to have got all the cancer with a good margin and a low risk factor for the future, it was amazing. It’s a great feeling to be thinking about moving forward now and getting back to full fitness.”

Robotic partial nephrectomy allows surgeons to remove small tumours from the kidney while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Compared with open or laparoscopic surgery, the robotic approach offers improved accuracy, smaller incisions, reduced risk of complications and blood transfusion, shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal life.

The introduction of the new specialist equipment, including robotic bulldog clips that safely control blood flow to the kidney during surgery, means the surgical team can now manage more complex tumours using this minimally invasive, kidney-saving technique.

This represents an important milestone in developing a comprehensive, kidney-preserving robotic surgery service, improving outcomes for patients now and in the years to come.

Brian’s procedure was carried out by a collaborative surgical team led by consultant urological surgeon Mr Gianluca Maresca, working with Mr Keiran Clement, consultant urologist in Tayside, and Mr Alexander Laird, a visiting proctor from Edinburgh whose expertise supported the safe introduction of the enhanced technique.

Mr Maresca said, “It is a privilege to care for patients with kidney cancer across Tayside. Being able to offer advanced robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy means we can provide the gold standard of care for patients with localised renal cancer by removing the tumour while preserving as much normal kidney tissue as possible.

“This significantly reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease and long-term cardiovascular complications, while ensuring safe and effective cancer treatment. We look forward to expanding this approach to support patients with increasingly complex renal tumours in the near future.”

Contact:

Lisa Campbell

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138