Dr. O’Connell specializes in minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of kidney cancer and other diseases where removal of the kidney is required. The leading surgical option is called a radical nephrectomy.
Radical nephrectomy can be done in a traditional open way - invasive open surgery that involves large incisions and post operative side effects for patients, or laparoscopically – minimally invasive nerve sparing nephrectomy.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy includes removal of a kidney and it’s ureter. Sometimes some of the surrounding tissue is also removed. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
During the procedure, small key hole incisions (~1cm or the size of a dime) are made in the abdomen to enable insertion of instruments and a miniature camera. The camera is attached to a monitor providing 2D picture of the operation field.
Benefits of laparoscopic nephrectomy:
Shorter Hospital Stay – patients are able to return to normal activities much sooner, typically on the first or second day after the operation once they can tolerate a regular diet and pain is controlled.
Less Pain – since laparoscopy is less invasive than open surgery, patients have modest post operative pain.
Shorter Recovery Time - the procedure is done through a few tiny incisions that heal much faster. Post operative infections are minimized because the incisions are small. Incisional hernias are less common, blood loss and transfusion rates are lower than in open surgery series.
Success rates compare favorably with open surgery recurrence and cancer-specific survival rates appear to compare favorably with those of open surgery series.
If you would like to talk to Dr. O’Connell about this procedure or make an appointment, please fill out a Contact form or call (610) 259-3000
James R. O’Connell, M.D., F.A.C.S. Urologic Oncologist
