New Hand Procedure for Removing Kidney

A minimally invasive procedure for removing a kidney is expected to increase live kidney donations by reducing hospital stay and recovery time and by reducing many of the fears associated with the surgery.

Aided by a laparoscopic camera, the procedure allows a surgeon to safely remove a kidney by inserting a hand into the abdomen through a small three-inch incision. First, the donor's abdomen is inflated to provide ample room and a better view of the kidney and surrounding organs. Next, tubes are placed in the abdomen to provide access for the camera and instruments. Then the surgeon inserts a hand through a gel material into the abdomen, and the hand functions as a surgical tool to guide the laparoscopic devices used to remove the kidney.

The procedure, called GelPort HAL Nephrectomy, was pioneered by Applied Medical (Rancho Margarita, CA, USA), utilizing the GelPort Hand-Access device developed by the company. The company says donors experience less pain and scarring and need only a three-day hospital stay and 2-3 weeks for recovery. In contrast, open surgery results in a 10-12 inch incision, possible removal of a rib, and up to 10 weeks in recovery time.

"With this technique, you are able to insert your hand through a small three-inch incision that allows you to maintain your tactile sensation, palpate arteries, locate blood vessels, and use compression to achieve hemostasis if necessary,” said Dr. Joseph Del Pizzo, director of laparoscopic surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital (NY, USA). "You get all the benefits of open surgery without the large incision, and that's what benefits your patients.”




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Applied Medical