Laparoscopic Nephrectomy (Keyhole Kidney Removal Surgery)
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. Whilst this approach provides good access to the kidney it is associated with significant post operative pain and a slow recovery and a prolonged convalescence period.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy (keyhole kidney removal), in contrast to open 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 very large growth or on CT scan images of the kidney there is the possibility of extension of the growth beyond the kidney itself or into the vein which drains blood from the kidney.
The operation is performed under a general anaesthesia (this means the patient is asleep) and lasts for around 2 hours. On average patients spend 2 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 that is affected by a cancerous growth the surgical literature tells us that the cure rate is equivalent to the open approach.
