Kidney cancer is a common type of cancer that can affect both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, it’s estimated that there will be approximately 76,080 new cases of kidney cancer in the United States in 2021.

Although kidney cancer can be treated with surgery, traditional open surgery can be invasive and may require a long recovery time.

Fortunately, a new surgical technique called laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has revolutionized the way kidney cancer patients are treated.

LPN is a minimally invasive surgery that allows surgeons to remove only the diseased part of the kidney while sparing the healthy tissue.

What is Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy?

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a type of surgery that uses a laparoscope, which is a tool with a camera and light on the end of a long, thin tube, to perform the surgery.

During the procedure, three or four small incisions are made in the patient’s abdomen, and the laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions.

The surgeon uses the laparoscope to view the kidney and locate the tumor. Then, the surgeon uses a special instrument to remove the tumor while preserving the healthy tissue. Once the tumor is removed, the surgeon uses sutures to close the incisions.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has several advantages:.

Less Invasive

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgery, which means that it requires smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. This results in less pain and scarring, as well as a shorter recovery time.

Preserves Healthy Tissue

Because laparoscopic partial nephrectomy allows surgeons to remove only the diseased part of the kidney while sparing the healthy tissue, it has a lower risk of kidney failure compared to traditional open surgery.

Reduced Blood Loss

During traditional open surgery, patients lose more blood than during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. This means that patients may require blood transfusions during the surgery, which can increase the risk of complications.

Quicker Recovery Time

Patients who undergo laparoscopic partial nephrectomy typically have a shorter recovery time than patients who undergo traditional open surgery. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery.

Lower Risk of Complications

Because laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is less invasive than traditional open surgery, it has a lower risk of complications such as infections and bleeding.

Who is a Candidate for Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy?

Not all kidney cancer patients are candidates for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The ideal candidate for this surgery is someone with a small tumor that is located on the surface of the kidney and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Additionally, the patient must be in good overall health and not have any other medical conditions that would make surgery difficult or risky.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Before the Surgery

Prior to the surgery, the patient will need to undergo several tests to ensure that they’re a good candidate for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, and a physical exam.

The patient will also need to follow certain instructions to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting for a certain period of time before the surgery and stopping certain medications.

During the Surgery

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy typically takes two to four hours to complete. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient will be asleep and won’t feel any pain.

The surgeon will make three or four small incisions in the patient’s abdomen, and the laparoscope and surgical instruments will be inserted through these incisions.

The surgeon will use the laparoscope to view the kidney and locate the tumor. Then, the surgeon will use a special instrument to remove the tumor while preserving the healthy tissue.

Once the tumor is removed, the surgeon will use sutures to close the incisions.

After the Surgery

Following the surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. The patient may experience some pain and discomfort, but this can usually be managed with pain medication.

The patient will need to follow certain instructions to ensure that they recover from the surgery properly. These instructions may include avoiding certain activities and lifting restrictions for a certain period of time.

The patient will also need to attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to ensure that they’re healing properly.

Risks and Complications of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Some of these risks include:.

Bleeding

During the surgery, there is a risk of bleeding. In some cases, this may require an additional surgery to control the bleeding.

Infection

The risk of infection is present with any surgery. Patients who have weakened immune systems or other medical conditions that make infection more likely are at a higher risk of developing an infection.

Damage to Other Organs

While performing the surgery, there is a risk of accidentally damaging other organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, pancreas, or intestines. This may require an additional surgery to repair the damage.

Kidney Failure

In rare cases, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy may result in kidney failure, which may require dialysis or kidney transplant.

It’s important for patients to discuss the risks and potential complications associated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with their surgeon prior to the surgery.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a revolutionary surgery technique that has changed the way kidney cancer patients are treated.

This minimally invasive surgery allows surgeons to remove only the diseased part of the kidney while sparing the healthy tissue, resulting in a shorter recovery time and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. While not all kidney cancer patients are candidates for this surgery, those who are may benefit greatly from this innovative surgical technique.