Laparoscopic nephrectomy

This is a type of keyhole surgery to remove a kidney. 

The kidney might need to be removed because it no longer functions or because of an abnormal growth. The aim of the operation is to completely remove the kidney and the surrounding tissue (in the case of surgery for a suspected kidney cancer).

Traditionally this operation was performed through a large incision either at the front of the abdomen or alternatively at the side of the rib cage. The disadvantage of this approach is the significant pain that results, the additional days spent in hospital recovering and the prolonged convalescence.

Lap nephrectomy, in contrast, is performed through small incisions (or cuts in the skin); small tubes called ports are then placed into the abdominal wall allowing access to the kidney. Specialized instruments including telescopic cameras are then used to allow improved, magnified vision and precise surgery.

There are certain circumstances where it is not possible to perform the surgery in a keyhole fashion and these tend to be when there is a large growth or on imaging of the kidney there is the possibility of extension of the growth beyond the kidney itself.

The operation is performed using general anaesthetia (this means the patient is asleep) and lasts for around 2 hours. On average patients spend 2-3 nights in hospital before returning home. The advantage of a laparoscopic approach to kidney surgery is that there are fewer wound complications, less post operative pain and a shorter convalescence when compared with an open approach.

When the operation is being performed to remove a kidney as a result of a cancerous growth the cure rate is as good as the  open approach.