Bilateral laparoscopic hand assisted nephrectomy is a safe and reliable option in patients requiring removal of the 2 kidneys in a single setting. Rather than performing staged nephrectomies, hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy allows the single administration of general anesthesia and provides effective relief of bothersome symptoms in patients with symptomatic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. This procedure is safe in patients with renal transplants. Patients with massive polycystic kidneys with a kidney volume of greater than 3,500 cc are at increased risk for open conversion and they may have improved outcomes if open nephrectomy is attempted from the outset.

No abstract

No abstract

There is substantial interest among medical students in advanced laparoscopic surgery, and it can support a third- or fourth-year clinical clerkship in laparoscopic urology. Student evaluations revealed very high satisfaction. This elective is of benefit to students interested in urology and other surgical specialties.