NOTES: Nephrectomy

Abstract

Surgery is in a constant state of flux. In the last 20 years there has been a dramatic shift from large, open incisions for surgical extirpation to ever-smaller incisions to achieve the same surgical goals. Surgical removal of the kidney is a procedure that dates back to 1869 and up until the 1990s necessitated a large, morbid incision, a significant surgical footprint if you will. With technological advancement and surgical ingenuity, this surgical footprint has diminished with time. First, with the introduction of conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy, followed by LESS nephrectomy, and finally with the advent of NOTES nephrectomy, this surgical footprint has all but been abolished. Perhaps this is the final chapter in the evolution of scarless surgery?