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Definition : A "positive margin" means that some of the kidney cancer may have been left on the kidney. The laparoscopic approach to partial nephrectomy means that no large incisions are required to perform the procedure. Instead of a large incision, three or four 1/2 cm to 1 cm incisions (less than 1/2 inch) are made. The spaces in the body are gently filled with gas to make working space and a small camera is placed into the body through one of the incisions. The other small incisions are used to place working instruments, which can be used to perform the procedure. The kidney cancer is then identified. Usually, the kidney cancer can be readily seen using the small camera (laparoscope). If the cancer is deep within the kidney, a laparoscopic ultrasound device can be used to very precisely identify the size and location of the kidney cancer. The laparoscopic ultrasound can even determine the amount of blood flow to the kidney and to the cancer. Once the kidney cancer is identified, the kidney's blood supply is temporarily stopped. By stopping the blood to the kidney, the surgery can be performed without significant bleeding. The cancer is then removed with the margin of normal tissue. Once the kidney cancer has been removed, the kidney is repaired by closing the collecting system (plumbing within the kidney) and then by closing the functioning kidney tissues. The removal of the kidney cancer and the repair of the kidney should be in as short a time as possible to prevent long-term damage to kidney function. Technique: Once you and your Urologist have decided on laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, a date for surgery is chosen. Typically, a patient goes to the hospital on the day of surgery. General anesthesia (you are completely asleep) is required. The Procedure is then done through three or four small incisions, which are either 1/2 a centimeter or 1 cm in length (less than 1/4 to 1/2 and inch). The kidney is then identified so that the kidney cancer can be found. Once the target kidney cancer is identified, the renal artery (blood supply to the kidney) is temporarily blocked. With the blood supply temporarily interrupted, it is possible to completely remove the kidney cancer with a small margin of normal tissue all the way around it. Once the cancer is removed, stitches are used to close the kidney’s collecting system (plumbing system within the kidney that carries urine), to stop all the bleeding sites, and to close the functioning tissue that makes up the majority of the kidney. The repair of the area of the kidney where the kidney cancer has been removed is known as reconstruction of the kidney. Once the kidney has been reconstructed, the blood supply to the kidney is opened, and the kidney cancer is removed from the body by extending one of the small incisions. While the patient is still under anesthesia, the surgeon works with a pathologist to assure that the entire cancer has been removed (a negative surgical margin has been achieved). Once complete removal of the kidney cancer has been confirmed, a small tube may be left in the area of the surgery (drain) to remove any excess fluids that may collect in the area. Once the procedure is complete, the patient is transferred
to the recovery room for observation and then to a hospital room.
Typically, on the day of surgery, the patient can drink liquids,
walk around, and is relatively comfortable with limited pain. On
the day after surgery it is common to have a regular diet. If a
drain has been left in place, it is usually removed on the first
day after surgery. If everything has gone well, most people are
discharged home on the first or second day after surgery with limited
well-controlled pain, eating a regular diet, and feeling well. On
discharge, oral antibiotics and oral pain medications are typically
prescribed. Candidates: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a very effective procedure for the treatment of kidney cancers that are less than 4 cm (less than 1 3/4 inches). The procedure itself is technically demanding. However, in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, the majority of small renal masses can be managed with a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. While there are no strict age criteria, young and healthy patients with small renal masses are excellent candidates for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. In the hands of a laparoscopic expert, the cancer control (“negative margin” rates or complete removal of cancer) are the same as with open partial nephrectomy. As such, most patients who are candidates for open partial nephrectomy can have their procedures done laparoscopically, and therefore benefit from the advantages of a minimally invasive approach (less bleeding, less pain and faster recovery). Tumor location is somewhat important in deciding between surgical options for kidney cancer. Patients with kidney cancers located very close to the middle of the kidney may be better candidates for open partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has the advantages intrinsic to any procedure in which the cancer is completely removed. After the procedure, an experienced pathologist can carefully review the kidney cancer that has been removed to confirm that all the cancer cells have been extracted. Additionally, even though laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a relatively new procedure, it is identical in nature to open partial nephrectomy in which long-term results for cancer control have been excellent. As laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, by definition, uses a laparoscopic approach, patients get all the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure. Blood loss is significantly less with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy compared to open partial nephrectomy. Pain is also significantly less with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The decreased blood loss, pain, and trauma to the body also result in faster overall recovery from the operation. With laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, patients return to full activity in less than half the time it takes to recover from open partial nephrectomy. As laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a very technically challenging operation, it is not offered at many centers. A disadvantage of the procedure is that only few doctors offer this procedure to their patients. Follow-up: Activity after surgery - While patients will typically be able to do routine activities such as eating and taking care of everyday needs, it is generally suggested that no heavy lifting or vigorous activity be performed for four to six weeks to allow the body to recover. While it is surgeon dependent, most surgeons will suggest only light lifting (less than 10lbs), gentle activity, and no driving for one to two weeks after surgery. It is typical for patients to feel drained or lack energy for several weeks after surgery, and complete and full return to activity will usually take four to six weeks. However, every patient is different and recovery is somewhat variable. Generally, the patient will feel better day by day. Wound care and bandages - With laparoscopy, wound care is generally very easy. The dressings (bandages) are usually removed by the patient at home the second day after surgery. Under the bandages there are small pieces of surgical tape. Once these start to peel off on their own, the patient may remove them. Removing the tape in the shower may be helpful and the adhesive will soften and allow the tape to be removed gently and without pain. Under the tape are the small wounds. The stiches are below the skin and do not have to be removed as they absorb by themselves.
Bathing - Swimming and bathing in a tub should not be done for one week after surgery, but showering is usually permitted any time after the second day after surgery. The shower should be with regular soap and water. An effort should be made not to allow the shower to directly hit the wounds for the first several days. The wounds should be cleaned with a dry and clean towel and left uncovered. A small amount of oozing is possible for the first few days after surgery, and a clean gauze with surgical tape can be used to keep clothing dry. However, if there is any significant leakage from the wound or if the would should become red, hot, tender, or swollen, you should contact your doctor immediately. Follow-up visit – Your doctor will typically call with the biopsy results one week after the surgery has been performed. A follow-up visit with the surgeon is usually scheduled approximately four weeks after the procedure has been done. At the follow-up visit wounds are checked and follow-up radiographic imaging is scheduled. Typically, an MRI or CT scan is scheduled for six months after the procedure has been performed. Depending on the final pathology report, which establishes the type of cancer that was removed, a future follow-up regimen is then established.
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Copyright 2006 Kidney Cancer Institute |
Complementary Management Strategies | Biotechnology That is Used to Cure Kidney Cancer
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