Dr. Berger Performs New Innovative
Kidney Removal Procedure
 Alisa Berger, M.D., a urologist at Brazosport Urology recently performed the new Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy (HALN) procedure at Brazosport Regional Health System. This new innovative procedure is a less invasive technique designed to remove diseased kidneys.
Late 2007, Robert Taylor of Clute entered the Emergency Room with severe pain and high fever. After 30 minutes in the ER and a urine test, doctors felt that he needed to see an urologist immediately. Mr. Taylor left the ER and was able to make an appointment to see Dr. Berger the next day. “After the initial evaluation, Dr. Berger took the time to explain what was wrong and described the HALN procedure step by step,” Mr. Taylor stated.
The HALN procedure involves the insertion of a laparoscope (surgical telescope) through three to five small incisions in the person’s abdomen. The procedure can be performed via laparoscopic techniques alone, but if being performed for a possible cancer, then an incision has to be made to ensure that the kidney can be removed intact. Therefore, the hand-assist technique, allows the procedure to be performed in a safe, less invasive manner than an open procedure. HALN provides the benefits of laparoscopic surgery including decreased pain medication, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery to full activity.
“I was trained by one of the original surgeons to help develop this technique, Dr. Steven Shichman. He currently spends several weekends per year teaching private urologists how to perform this technique, so I feel very fortunate to have trained under him for several years,” stated Dr. Berger. “I am excited to be able to provide these services to the people of the Lake Jackson area, because both hand-assist and laparoscopic techniques are the standard of care for the majority of renal procedures today.”
Approximately 51,000 Americans are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year. Early diagnosis of kidney cancer is critical, as the earlier the detection, the survival rate is drastically improved. Speak with your local urologist if you are experiencing symptoms such as blood in the urine, high fever, abdominal lumps, swelling in the legs and ankles, and rapid weight loss.
“From the moment that I entered into the ER, to the time that I checked out of the hospital, I had excellent service,” Mr. Taylor remarks. “The best part was the fact that we didn’t have to fight the Houston traffic. We were able to take care of everything right here in Lake Jackson.”
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