Conventional surgery involves making large abdominal incisions, which are painful and take a long time to heal. This often delays return to full activity. It is now possible to perform many urological operations (such as removal of the kidney, cysts in kidney, correction of obstruction to urinary drainage) by minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery (key-hole operation).

The Operation
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic. Three to four small keyhole incisions are made over the abdomen. Through these small "ports" are placed to enable passage of a telescope and instruments into the abdomen to perform surgery.

After the operation
Because the operation is performed through keyhole incisions there is much less pain after the operation. You may need occasional painkillers by injections. You should be able to eat and drink very soon after surgery. You should be able to walk short distances in the ward the day after surgery and able to go home the day after. Recovery at home also is much quicker and you should be able to return to full activity two weeks after the operation.

Complications
Complications are the same as for conventional operation. However, in some cases it may not be possible to complete the operation by keyhole surgery for technical reasons. In these cases it may be necessary to complete the operation by conventional method. Even then the incision needed is usually much smaller.