As a private patient, we give you access to world-class specialists and treatments for kidney cancer, including advanced robot-assisted kidney surgery by some of the UK’s most experienced surgeons. 

A kidney transplant can be life-changing option for many people who are suffering from chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Kidneys for transplant are sourced from live donors or deceased organ donors. All organs for transplant need to meet certain criteria, both in terms of the quality of the organ itself and its compatibility with the patient. Our renal transplant surgeons are the experts in their fields and are supported by a wider multidisciplinary team of specialists.  

Robotic-assisted surgery is the next evolution in surgery. ‘Robots in surgery’ can be misleading as the surgeon operates the robot – it’s not a standalone robot. Robotic surgery provides a minimally invasive approach to treat complex surgical conditions. At The Royal Free, it is currently used for kidney cancer, kidney transplantation and other non-renal cancer such as bowel cancer and some liver, pancreas and gallbladder surgery. 

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique that involves making small incisions in the abdomen to diagnose and treat conditions. We use the latest and most minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques, better known as keyhole surgery, to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Our particular speciality is in renal cancer treatments, but our expert team also provides care for patients with other diseases affecting the abdominal and pelvic regions.  

Our expert renal medicine (nephrology) team at the Royal Free London Private Patients Unit (PPU) specialise in acute kidney injury (AKI) and rare and complex kidney conditions.  

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) describes impaired kidney function, not a specific disease. It might mean your kidneys are not working correctly or have a structural abnormality, or your blood results flag an issue. As there are 100s of CKD types, we personalise your diagnosis and treatment to discover why your kidneys aren’t working as they should.

When you become a private patient with us, we aim to diagnose chronic kidney disease, help you manage your condition, understand your treatment options, offer the correct treatment, and improve your quality of life.

Opened in 2013, our dialysis unit is one of the largest private dialysis units in the UK. We are dedicated to delivering the highest standards of care, comfort, and convenience. Our modern facility is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure that your dialysis treatment is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.   

Our renal surgeons performed using minimally-invasive techniques including arteriovenous fistula, central venous catheter, arteriovenous (AV) graft, and fistuloplasty. Find out more about vascular access dialysis.

Our renal MDT for rare diseases was formed in early 2023. It consists of world-renowned nephrologists, urology surgeons, transplantation surgeons, oncologists, many of whom are also leading academic experts, and leaders in their field producing significant medical research.

Our innovation combines our various strengths into an integrated pathway, allowing patients with rare diseases to be diagnosed, treated, and now supports the early diagnosis and intervention in close family members thus preventing severe disease developing. We have advanced into the realm of truly predicative preventive medicine.

For more information about renal rare disease, please contact us rf-tr.privateenquiries@nhs.net.

Getting Diagnosis

Various tests help us diagnose kidney conditions, including blood and imaging tests and a kidney biopsy. For example, blood tests are the primary way of diagnosing acute kidney injury. We also perform genetic tests and specialist tests unique to the Royal Free.

Our hospital offers state-of-the-art nuclear medicine investigations and radiology. We’re also renowned for interventional radiology. All our diagnostic tests are done on one site, making diagnosis quicker and easier for patients.