Minimally invasive surgery for diseases of the urinary tract discussed by Mr. Christopher Eden, the UK's most experienced laparoscopic urologist with an experience of almost 3,000 cases.
Advantages of Laparoscopy?
- Surgeons have known for at least a decade that patients use fewer painkillers after laparoscopic surgery, go home earlier and return to normal activities and work sooner than after traditional surgery [1]
- There is also evidence that the chemical changes which occur in the body after surgery (the 'stress' response) are not as pronounced and that the likelihood of chest complications is lower after laparoscopic surgery [2]
- A better cosmetic result
- Gentler, more accurate and magnified surgery with less bleeding
 Scar 1 year after traditional kidney surgery |
 Scars 3 months after laparoscopic kidney surgery |
Disadvantages of Laparoscopy
- As laparoscopic surgery is technically more difficult than equivalent traditional surgery, it sometimes takes longer to perform.
The needle being used in this procedure is only 12 mm long