James Lugg, MD
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Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach to the removal of part of the kidney. This procedure is usually done for kidney cancer, but can also be used for removal of non-functional parts of kidneys as well. The approach uses keyhole surgery to introduce small surgical instruments through ~1 cm incisions and employs a small endoscopic camera for visualization. (See Laparoscopic Surgery).
Advantages of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy offers a much more rapid recovery time for patients and allows them to return to work more quickly than standard open surgery. It also results in a lower requirement for pain medication both in the hospital and results in less pain in the post-operative recovery period. It also avoids the potential long term pain of a flank incision and the long surgical scar that results from the flank approach. The primary advantage is that the whole kidney is not removed, like in Laparoscopic Nephrectomy. Only the cancerous portion of the kidney will be removed and the normal kidney that is left will be reconstructed through the laparoscope.
Are cancer control rates the same as open surgery?
Yes, cancer control rates with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy are equivalent to open surgery. Studies have shown that salvaging renal function through a removal of part of the kidney can confer long term benefits in renal function as well as shorter operative times, faster recovery and decreased blood loss. The incidence of recurrence in the incisions for laparoscopic surgery has been negligible and has prompted many surgeons to switch to this approach for the benefit of patients. The same study also points to the importance of having an experienced surgeon perform your surgery.
Why is my surgeon advising open surgery?
Not every patient is a candidate for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Patients with previous surgery or with large masses may not be able to have laparoscopic surgery due to technical considerations. Moreover, not every urologist is comfortable with the technique and may not feel it is the best thing for their patient in certain circumstances.
Are you a High Volume Center?
At Cheyenne Urological, we are a high volume practice for laparoscopic surgeries, so we bring that experience to bear to our patient encounters. Often, patients who were not thought to be candidates for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy are able to go through the procedure without significant problems. Dr. Lugg performs this procedure in Cheyenne at present.
2301 House Street, Suite 500, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
(307) 635-4131
- info@cheyenneurological.com