What
is laparoscopic nephrectomy?
A laparoscopic
nephrectomy is a minimally invasive
surgical procedure for removing a
kidney.
When is this procedure
used?
Non-malignant disease (where
the source is a non-functioning or minimally functioning kidney)
- Renovascular
hypertension
- Recurrent pyelonephritis
- Chronically
obstructed symptomatic non-functioning kidney
- Symptomatic
multi-cystic dysplastic kidney
Malignant or possibly
malignant disease
- Complex renal cysts
- Renal
cell carcinoma
- Transitional cell carcinoma of the kidneys
or ureter
Laparoscopic radical
nephrectomy is an excellent minimally
invasive treatment for the majority
of localized renal tumors, up to 12
to 15 centimeters in size.
What
does this procedure involve?
Unlike a conventional nephrectomy,
laparoscopic surgery requires only
several small incisions. Through these
incisions, a surgeon uses an endoscope
(tiny camera) and specialized surgical
instruments to conduct the operation
and remove the kidney.
How long does this
surgery take?
Surgery takes approximately
2 to 3hours, and the hospital stay is usually 48 hours, even for large tumors.
What
are the advantages of this procedure?
- Reduced hospital stay and faster healing
- Less
postoperative pain and less need for pain medication
- Quicker
return to normal activity and work
[TOP]
