scar-free kidney removal

From Stephanie Desman in the C-J...

Taking another step down the path toward minimally invasive surgery, doctors at Johns Hopkins announced yesterday that they have removed a woman's kidney through her vagina, eliminating the need for a painful 5-inch abdominal scar. It marked the first time that a kidney destined for donation has been removed in this manner, officials said....

surgeons cut a hole in the vaginal wall and basically sent the kidney out through the birth canal, encased in an impenetrable plastic bag. The surgery was simplified because the patient had previously undergone a hysterectomy....

able to leave the hospital after 24 hours, as opposed to the more typical two to three days. She said the pain she felt yesterday - four days after surgery - was "no worse than getting a tooth pulled." The kidney is functioning well in her niece...