Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intra-abdominal manipulation

Summary

A technique of performing a laparoscopically guided radical nephrectomy using a Pfannenstiel incision is described. We believe that this minimally invasive approach can ease the transition between the standard open method and pure laparoscopic trocar surgery and is applicable to a variety of intra-abdominal problems. Results in this series were comparable to those of a standard radical nephrectomy with the advantages of an improvement in access morbidity (post-operative comfort and respiratory compromise) and consequently decreased hospitalization time.

Key Words:

• laparoscopy
• nephrectomy
• laparoscopic nephrectomy
• hand
• hand-assisted laparoscopy
• renal cancer