Urologic surgery encompasses surgical treatments for conditions affecting the genitourinary system in men and the urinary system in women.
How Is Urologic Surgery Performed?There are two ways this type of procedure can be performed: open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. The choice between the two depends on each patient’s needs and the specific procedure being performed.
Open surgery is the traditional surgical method, although in recent years, minimally invasive techniques have been developed that offer better recovery outcomes for patients.
Laparoscopic Urologic SurgeryLaparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative in which a device called a laparoscope, equipped with a camera, is used to see inside the abdomen, requiring only three or four small incisions, compared to open surgery, which can involve an incision of up to 20 cm.
Many procedures can be performed laparoscopically, including:
- Adrenalectomy: a procedure to remove the adrenal glands.
- Enterocystoplasty: a technique used to correct bladder dysfunction.
- Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection: a procedure that’s part of testicular cancer treatment.
- Nephrectomy: allows for the removal of part or all of a kidney.
- Nephropexy: surgery to reposition the kidney in its correct place.
- Vaginal prolapse repair: to correct defects or weakening in the pelvic floor muscles.
Anesthesia for Urologic SurgeryThe type of anesthesia used for urologic surgery depends on the specific procedure being performed; general anesthesia or neuromuscular blockade may be needed in order to prevent accidental bladder perforation caused by stimulation of the obturator nerve.
Spinal or epidural anesthesia may also be used to numb the area being operated on without fully sedating the patient.
Urology SpecialistA urologist, also known as a urology specialist, is a physician trained in both the medical and surgical care of the urinary tract in men and women, as well as the male reproductive system.
At ABC Medical Center’s Minimally Invasive Surgery area, you can learn more about urologic surgery and receive specialized care. Contact us!
