Minimally invasive surgery of the urinary tract discussed by Mr. Christopher Eden, the UK's most experienced laparoscopic urologist with an experience of almost 3,000 cases.

Why Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a technique of performing a surgical operation using instruments inserted through narrow hollow tubes ('ports') rather than through a larger incision, as in traditional surgery. The result is shorter hospitalisation and convalescence, less bleeding and post-operative pain and fewer wound complications.

Ports placed for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Incision for traditional radical prostatectomy

Although laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery, the view obtained is much better than looking through a keyhole. Modern equipment produces a wide, bright, clear and magnified view of the operation. The gas used to distend the abdomen during laparoscopy also greatly reduces bleeding during surgery.

What is 'urology'?

'Urology' is the study of the causes and treatment of diseases of the urinary system.

Milestones in UK laparoscopic urinary tract surgery

1992 1994 2000 2001

First laparoscopic nephrectomy First laparoscopic pyeloplasty * First laparoscopic radical prostatectomy * First radical cystectomy * * performed by Mr Christopher Eden

Although the first laparoscopic operation to remove a kidney (nephrectomy) was performed in the USA in 1991 the uptake of laparoscopy in all but a few centres was initially slow. The reasons for this are that it requires a great deal of experience to master this method of operating, and the body of evidence necessary to convince urologists to learn this technique has only been present for a relatively small number of years. As a result, few centres worldwide have equivalent depth of experience in laparoscopic urological surgery. I undertake approximately 250 laparoscopic procedures each year and regularly train surgeons from the UK and abroad.

 The male urinary tract