Pediatric kidney surgery technique eliminates visible scarring

A new minimally invasive surgical technique known as hidden incision endoscopic surgery (HIdES) makes scarring after pediatric kidney surgery virtually invisible, yet it is as effective as more common surgical methods, according to the urologist who developed it.

"Currently used incisions, even with minimally invasive surgery, leave the child with up to three scars that are visible any time the abdomen is exposed. HIdES eliminates visible scarring," said Patricio Gargollo, MD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

Dr. Gargollo reports using the procedure for a dozen kidney surgery cases between April and July 2010 with no complications (Journal of Urology 2011; 185:1425-31), but he believes it has broader applications.

“I envision that this could be used for any upper abdominal procedure that needs to be done laparoscopically, and I currently perform all upper abdominal and some pelvic surgery with this technique," he said.

HIdES was given the Best New Technique Award at the 2011 International Robotic Urology Symposium in Las Vegas.

In addition to its cosmetic benefits, Dr. Gargollo and colleagues say the HIdES technique offers surgeons greater technical flexibility than laparoscopic surgery because it uses multiple surgical ports for robot-assisted surgical equipment and a camera. These ports are hidden below the bikini line, making them invisible if the patient is wearing a bathing suit.