Many people are familiar with laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove gallbladders. This procedure has improved the quality of life and recovery period for many patients. Since the first kidney was removed through a laparoscopic approach in 1990, there have been many improvements in technology and technique that have allowed complicated surgeries to be done without the need for a large incision.
The impact of this to the patient is obvious. Many studies have shown a benefit in a shorter hospital stay, the need for less postoperative pain medicine, and the quicker return to work and full activity for certain procedures.
There are several common urologic procedures that should be done through the use of these small incisions. Most surgeries involving the kidney and adrenal gland can safely be done:
- Adrenalectomy for benign tumors and cancer.
- Nephrectomy for nonfunctioning kidney and cancer
- Pyeloplasty for an obstructed kidney
- Cyst ablation for painful cysts
- Nephropexy for kidneys that move down
- Partial nephrectomy for small masses
Surgeries involving the bladder and prostate are being performed as well. Most urologic surgery in 2005 can be performed through minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Remember to ask your surgeon about his skill involving traditional open, the newer laparoscopic, and the newest robotic method.