Laparoscopy of the kidney and the adrenal gland

Diseases of the kidney and of the adrenal gland can be managed surgically by the laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, renal cyst resection and adrenalectomy have been reported. This paper describes our early experience with the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of diseases of the kidney and of the adrenal gland. Since June we have performed 4 nephrectomies, 14 renal cyst excisions and one adrenalectomy. Postoperative recovery and need for pain medication were reduced. Complications have been rare. At the present time laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign renal diseases, laparoscopic excision of recurrent renal cysts and laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning renal tumours should be considered. The role of laparoscopic approach for treatment of malignant diseases of the kidney and of the adrenal gland is still debatable.