Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the kidney, renal pelvis and entire ureter (the “tube” draining the kidney into the bladder). This procedure is usually performed for patients with transitional cell cancer / urothelial tumours in the upper urinary tract.
Unlike open nephroureterectomy, laparoscopic surgery requires a few small incisions to perform the procedure. Through these incisions, a surgeon uses a laparoscope (a small telescope and camera system) and specialized surgical instruments to remove the kidney and drainage system.
Surgery takes approximately 3-4 hours and the hospital stay is usually one to two days. Full recovery usually takes two to three weeks.
