Why experience matters in kidney surgery — and how this practice benchmarks its work against current international standards.
Dr Raji Kooner is a senior Sydney urologist with a longstanding interest in kidney disease. He was among the first urologists in Australia to perform laparoscopic and robotic removal of kidney tumours, and was an early adopter of robotic-assisted urological surgery. Over his career he has performed more than three thousand robotic procedures.
That depth of experience matters: published research in urology consistently shows that higher-volume surgeons and higher-volume centres achieve better outcomes for complex kidney surgery, including shorter operating times, lower complication rates, and better preservation of kidney function after partial nephrectomy.
For kidney cancer surgery, Dr Kooner uses the internationally recognised "trifecta" standard for partial nephrectomy:
Achieving all three elements together is the standard by which modern kidney cancer surgery is judged.
For kidney stone surgery, the analogous standard is complete stone clearance in as few procedures as possible, without infection or bleeding. The goal is "stone-free" — not merely "fragmented and hoping for the best."
Complex kidney disease is rarely the responsibility of one specialty alone. Dr Kooner works alongside:
Dr Kooner reviews his own outcomes regularly, in line with professional standards. Metrics routinely tracked include:
Outcome figures for individual patients are discussed at consultation, as they depend on the specific procedure, the stone or tumour involved, and the patient's overall health.
Dr Kooner has contributed to the Australian urological community through clinical work, peer teaching and occasional publications. A dedicated Media & Publications page lists specific items.
Arrange a consultation or request a second opinion on kidney cancer, stones, or reconstructive kidney surgery.