Kidney Cancer
Overview
Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy provides patients with a safe and effective way to remove a small renal tumor, while preserving the remainder of the kidney. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique, which provides patients with less discomfort and equivalent results when compared to the traditional open surgery. The physicians of the Arthur Smith Institute for Urology have one of the largest experiences in the world in performing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. They have taught this technique to urologists throughout the country.
When compared to the conventional open surgical technique, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has resulted in significantly less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, earlier return to work and daily activities, a more favorable cosmetic result and outcomes that appear to be identical to that of open surgery. Partial nephrectomy has become a standard procedure for selected patients with renal cell carcinoma. Where possible it is preferable to leave part of the kidney to maximize overall kidney function. Moreover it is possible for kidney tumors can recur in the opposite normal kidney. Sometimes size or location of the tumor may not allow the performance of a laparoscopic approach and open surgery or removal of the entire kidney may be necessary.
