Our Services
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an operation to
remove an entire kidney. When done for non-cancerous disease,
only the kidney itself is removed and this is termed a simple
nephrectomy. When done to treat kidney cancer, the kidney and
surrounding tissues are removed and this is termed a radical
nephrectomy. Both procedures can be done by open or
laparoscopic surgery.
In laparoscopic nephrectomy, the surgeon
makes several small (1 cm) incisions in the upper abdomen over
the affected kidney. The surgeon then uses special instruments
to carefully separate the kidney from surrounding structures and
secure the blood vessels that supply the kidney. Once it is
freed, the kidney is removed through a final small incision (6-7
cm) cosmetically placed just above the pubic bone.
Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic nephrectomy shortens
hospital stay, minimizes post-operative discomfort, is more
cosmetic, and speeds return to normal activity. The cancer-cure
rates of laparoscopic kidney surgery equal those of open surgery
with considerably less discomfort and disability. |
