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Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy   

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A laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is commonly recommended to remove a cancerous kidney.

What is a laparoscopic Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty?

Unlike conventional open surgery, which is performed through a large incision, laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a laparoscope (wand-like camera) and a set of tiny surgical instruments, which are inserted through a series of small “ports” created in the abdominal wall. A surgeon can use a laparoscope to view the inside of the abdominal cavity and remove a kidney through a small incision. For certain patients, a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy can achieve the same result as an open radical nephrectomy with several important benefits, including a reduced risk of surgical complications, less post-operative discomfort and a better cosmetic outcome.

When performing a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, a surgeon will typically remove:

  • The entire affected kidney

  • A section of the tube (ureter) that connects the cancerous kidney to the bladder

  • The adrenal gland located immediately above the affected kidney

  • A margin of surrounding fatty tissue

Advantages

Laparoscopic nephrectomy has been routinely performed since 1990 and has translated into significant benefits for patients including reduced blood loss and transfusions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, improved cosmesis, and a faster recovery as compared to open surgery. While open surgery requires either a large abdominal or flank incision, minimally invasive approaches involve 3-4 keyhole incisions in the abdomen.

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