LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL NEPHRECTOMY WITH INTRAABDOMINAL MANIPULATION

A technique of performing a laparoscopically guided radical nephrectom y using a Pfannenstiel incision is described. We believe that this min imally invasive approach can ease the transition between the standard open method and pure laparoscopic trocar surgery and is applicable to a variety of intra-abdominal problems. Results in this series were com parable to those of a standard radical nephrectomy with the advantages of an improvement in access morbidity (post-operative comfort and res piratory compromise) and consequently decreased hospitalization time.