Laparoscopic nephrectomy

To the Editor: Recently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has had a marked effect on surgical practice.¹ However, laparoscopic technology has not been applied to larger solid organs because of the lack of appropriate instrumentation and techniques.² We report a clinically successful laparoscopic nephrectomy. A 3-cm asymptomatic, solid right renal mass of the middle lower pole was discovered serendipitously in a slender 85-year-old woman on abdominal computed tomography performed as part of a trauma evaluation. A complete radiographic and laboratory evaluation revealed no metastatic disease. After clearance by the Washington University Investigational Review Board and after extensive counseling regarding the possibility of hemorrhage,. . .