Laparoscopic and minimally invasive applications in urology have become increasingly valuable in the treatment of disorders, tumors and malformations of the kidney, as well as in kidney transplant. In its early days, laparoscopy was difficult to perform and apply to kidney surgery because the kidneys are hidden behind the abdomen. The technique was subsequently modified and special devices developed to perform hand-assisted laparoscopy. This allows the surgeon greater internal access (through an incision in the abdomen) to better maneuver the laparoscopic instruments used for viewing and for dissection. The surgeon can gently and safely remove the kidney through two small punctures and the three-inch incision made in the abdomen. This procedure can be performed to remove a kidney that contains a tumor (radical nephrectomy) or to remove the kidney from a living donor for transplant.