Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves the removal of a kidney using a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and surgical instruments attached. This technique is used to treat various conditions affecting the kidney, such as cancer, kidney stones, and severe infections.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts the laparoscope and other surgical instruments through these incisions. The surgeon then uses the camera to guide the surgical instruments to the kidney, which is then dissected and removed through one of the small incisions.

Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic nephrectomy has several advantages, including reduced pain, faster recovery time, shorter hospital stay, and smaller scars. However, not all patients are candidates for this type of surgery, and the decision to perform a laparoscopic nephrectomy should be made on a case-by-case basis by a qualified healthcare provider.