Minimally invasive urological surgery employs advanced techniques that enable urologists to treat specific conditions without resorting to traditional open surgery involving large incisions in the body. Minimally invasive surgery usually reduces pain and time to recovery for the patient.
Urologists commonly employ this type of surgery to address various issues of the urinary system, female reproductive system, and male reproductive system (genitourinary systems).
There are several methods through which minimally invasive urological surgery can be performed, including:
The surgery uses a laparoscope, a long, slender instrument equipped with a camera and surgical tools. The laparoscope is inserted through small incisions, allowing the urologist to visualize and operate on the affected area.
Robotic-assisted surgery involves using a surgical robot controlled by the urologist to perform precise movements and interventions. The robot's arms carry out the surgical procedure through small incisions while the urologist guides the process from a console.
This technique involves accessing the surgical site through a single small incision, often hidden within the belly button. Specialized instruments are used to perform the necessary surgical steps.
During endoscopic surgery, a long, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the urinary bladder, ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder), or kidney. The endoscope is equipped with a small video camera and channels for surgical instruments. This allows the urologist to visualize and treat various conditions affecting these structures.
Before choosing a minimally invasive approach, there are some questions you may want to ask.
Is your surgeon fellowship-trained in minimally invasive urologic surgery?
The body that oversees fellowship training in minimally invasive urology is the Society of Endourology. Most clinical fellowships last one-to-two years.
How many minimally invasive procedures has the surgeon performed? How many does he perform in a year?
Proficiency in laparoscopic urologic surgery is achieved and maintained with a minimum of 20 cases per year.
What percentage of the surgeons' practice is devoted to performing laparoscopic procedures?
Most skilled laparoscopic urologic surgeons devote more than 15 percent of their time to the performance of laparoscopic surgery.