Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopy) is a surgical technique that avoids the need to open the abdomen. During the procedure, a small camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity. This camera transmits images from the abdominal cavity through optical fibers to a video screen, allowing the surgeons to see the abdominal organs and perform surgical procedures. The laparoscopic approach offers numerous advantages: faster healing after surgery, a significant reduction in postoperative pain, earlier discharge from hospital, and improved cosmetic results owing to smaller incisions. Most of the surgical procedures that used to be performed as open surgery can now be conducted using a laparoscopic approach.
The Pediatric Urology Department at Shaare Zedek Medical Center is equipped with state-of-the-art laparoscopic equipment, and the majority of procedures are performed using specialized instruments that minimize abdominal incisions to only 3mm.
Most kidney surgeries in the department are performed laparoscopically, including complete nephrectomies for non-functioning kidneys, partial nephrectomies for a non-functioning pole of the kidney, testicular fixation procedures, and diagnostic procedures for endocrine diseases, as well as varicocelectomies. The majority of procedures are carried out using the Single Site Laparoscopic Surgery technique, through a single incision in the child's navel. This technique achieves improved cosmetic results, leaving the child with no visible scars after surgery.
Some of the laparoscopic surgeries in the department are performed using the da Vinci robot, an advanced robotic surgical system that employs extremely small and compact instruments to perform even infant surgeries. This system offers a broader range of movement than the human hand and allows a nearly 360-degree view inside the abdominal cavity, thus enabling higher surgical precision, improved success rates (particularly in children), and optimal removal of growths and affected tissues. The primary use of the robot is in reconstructive surgeries - mainly correction of pelvic kidney outlet anomalies and connecting the ureter to the bladder. These are relatively common conditions often detected during pregnancy or developing in children due to urinary tract infections. The surgery can be performed as early as three months of age.
The department's team is actively involved in several international projects in the field of laparoscopic surgery, including clinical research and development of laparoscopic devices.
