Medical Intervention
Genesis Figueroa
Victoria Fuenmayor
Victoria Guerrero
Amanda Medina
Daniela Padron
Dr. Diaz
Activity 4.3.3
Kidney Donation
Part I: Donating a Kidney
Procedure 1
Work with a partner to brainstorm what steps would be necessary to remove someone’s
kidney. Think back to what you know about the kidney form HBS. Write down your ideas
in your laboratory notebook.
Kidney removal surgery, whether performed laparoscopically or through open methods, involves
precise incisions and meticulous manipulation of muscle, fat, and tissue. Laparoscopic surgery
employs a few small incisions, typically no larger than 1 inch each, while open surgery requires
larger incisions, up to 12 inches long. The surgeon utilizes specialized tools, including a
laparoscope with a camera, to access and visualize the kidney. Depending on the procedure,
either part or all of the kidney is removed, with the ureter and blood vessels carefully detached
beforehand. Laparoscopic surgery may result in faster recovery and less postoperative pain
compared to open surgery, despite potentially longer procedure durations. Regardless of the
approach, kidney removal surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting,
ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure, which can last three or more
hours.
Procedure 3 – Conclusion Question
Answer Conclusion Questions 1 through 4
• How well did your brainstorming of the steps necessary to remove a kidney match up
with the actual surgical procedure? Explain your answer.
A high-level brainstorming of the steps for kidney removal might align with an actual
surgical procedure, considering the pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, surgical approach
(open or minimally invasive), and post-operative care. However, the actual surgical
procedure is much more detailed and requires specialized medical knowledge, training, and
a multidisciplinary team, incorporating specific techniques and protocols to ensure patient
safety and optimal outcomes.
• What are the benefits of completing surgery laparoscopically?
Laparoscopic surgery benefits include faster recovery, less pain, smaller scars, reduced
infection risk, and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgery. These factors contribute
to improved patient experiences and quicker return to normal activities.
• Why might a patient still prefer to have an open procedure instead of a laparoscopic
procedure?
Patients may choose open surgery over laparoscopic because of complex medical conditions,
the need for more visibility, specific surgeon recommendations, or health issues like scar
tissue that complicate laparoscopic procedures.
• What skills do you think are necessary to perform a laparoscopic
procedure?Laparoscopic skills include technical proficiency, precise hand-eye
coordination, manual dexterity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork with the surgical
team.
