Laparoscopic Nephrectomy for Benign Disease

Nearly 10 years of experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign renal disease has shown that the procedure can be performed safely with a complication rate comparable with open surgery. Improvements in the skill, instrumentation, and technique of the laparoscopist have expanded the indications for the procedure to include larger (polycystic kidneys) and in some cases more complex (xanthogranulomotous pyelonephritis) specimens. Continued demonstration of reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospirtal stay, and more rapid recovery along with decreasing operative times have made laparoscopy the preferred approach for the surgical removal of benign kidneys.