Laparoscopic or key-hole surgery involves much smaller wounds than open surgery. This means that patients recover more quickly from the operation. We would usually expect a quicker discharge from hospital and faster return to normal activity compared to standard surgery. 

Laparoscopic surgery is based upon the use of up to date modern technology and specialist surgical training. We use a long narrow telescope and a number of special long hand-held instruments which are passed into the body via small incisions. The surgeon visualizes the procedure on a large video screen.

Small wounds mean less pain and less risk of infection. Patients recover from the surgery more quickly, allowing a more rapid discharge from hospital and an early return to normal activities.

Previously, kidney operations, required larger more painful wounds, and required a longer period of recovery. But now many kidney procedures such as removal of a kidney (nephrectomy) and operations to improve the drainage of the kidney (pyeloplasty) can be performed laparoscopically.

These procedures are performed under a general anaesthetic and require only 3 or 4 small incisions. Patients are discharged on average just 1-4 days after the surgery (standard open procedures will average 5-10 day stay in hospital).

Ipswich Urology is able to offer experienced laparoscopic surgeons with many years of experience in this technique. We are proud of our good success rates and low complications.