Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy is now available for selected kidney tumours and allows a minimally invasive approach to remove the tumour/cancer while leaving the rest of the kidney functioning.

Traditionally the concern with partial laparoscopic nephrectomy has been the ability to control blood loss, however the development of the sliding clip technique has allowed us to introduce this procedure to Auckland with good results.

There is an obvious benefit to overall kidney function if it is possible to remove the kidney tumour and leave the rest of the kidney behind. Laparoscopy or keyhole surgery allows a faster recovery and earlier return to work than open surgery and is therefore, where possible, a good solution to removing a small kidney cancer. Many central kidney tumors however may be best removed with an open partial nephrectomy or a radical nephrectomy.