Minimally Invasive Urological Surgery Explained By Dr Ravi Gupta

In recent years, doctors have found better ways to do surgeries for bladder and kidney problems. These new methods use minor cuts instead of big ones. This helps patients feel less pain and get better faster. Let’s learn about these new ways of surgery and how they help people with urinary issues.

1. What is minimally invasive urological surgery?

Minimally invasive urological surgery offers a less invasive approach to treating various conditions compared to traditional open surgery, which involves more significant cuts in the body. Instead of big openings, surgeons make small incisions about the size of a dime. This technique minimizes damage to healthy tissue and reduces bleeding during the procedure.

These surgeries are used to address issues affecting the urinary system, as well as the female and male reproductive systems (genitourinary systems).

Doctors perform minimally invasive urological surgery using different methods:

1.  Laparoscopically: They use small instruments and a camera inserted through tiny cuts in the abdomen to perform the surgery.

2.  Robotically: Surgeons control a robotic system to execute precise movements during the operation.

3.  Through a single port: The entire surgery is conducted through a small incision, usually near the belly button.

4.  Endoscopically: A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and surgical tools is fixed through the urethra to treat conditions in the bladder, ureter, and kidney.

Doctors may sometimes opt for non-surgical approaches like high-energy shock waves or lasers to treat certain conditions instead of traditional surgery methods. These techniques are chosen based on the patient’s specific medical needs and the nature of the condition being treated.

2. What is laparoscopic urological surgery?

In laparoscopic urological surgery, doctors use a unique tool called a laparoscope to look inside your body through minor cuts. The laparoscope has a tiny camera that shows detailed images. Usually, doctors make two to four minor cuts, like keyholes. They use these cuts to insert the laparoscope and other surgical tools. This way, they can perform surgery while seeing what’s happening inside your body.

3. What is robotic urological surgery?

In robotic urological surgery, doctors operate using mechanical arms that they control from a particular console. These arms have small surgical tools with flexible tips for precise movements. A unique 3D camera provides clear images of the surgical area, helping the doctors accurately see and work on the affected parts during the procedure. This advanced technology improves precision and enhances outcomes for patients undergoing urological surgeries.

4. What is single-port surgery?

Single-port surgery, or single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), is when doctors perform the entire surgery through a tiny cut, often near the belly button. This method reduces scars and pain after surgery compared to traditional laparoscopy, which uses multiple cuts. With fewer incisions, patients recover faster and experience less discomfort. It’s increasingly used in urology for surgeries like kidney operations and gallbladder removal, providing a more straightforward and potentially beneficial approach.

5.    What does minimally invasive urological surgery treat?

Minimally invasive urological surgery treats a wide range of conditions including:

·         Bladder cancer is where tumors are removed, or the bladder is completely removed in severe cases.

·         Kidney cancer involves the removal of tumors or the affected kidney if necessary.

·         Prostate cancer is treated by removing the prostate gland or using techniques to target cancer cells.

·         Kidney stones are broken down or removed through minor cuts to relieve pain and prevent complications.

·         Kidney cysts are drained or removed to alleviate symptoms.

·         Pelvic organ prolapse is corrected by repairing supportive tissues.

·         Undescended testicles were relocated surgically for proper development.

·         Testicular torsion is emergency surgery to untwist the spermatic cord and restore blood flow.

·         Chronic kidney disease is managed with procedures to improve kidney function.

·         Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is treated to reduce prostate size and relieve urinary symptoms.

6. What are some of the most common minimally invasive urological procedures?

Here are some standard minimally invasive urological procedures:

· Vaginal prolapse repair: This surgery restores support to the vaginal wall when it has fallen from its normal position.

· Orchiopexy: This procedure moves an undescended testicle into the scrotum and secures it there permanently. It’s also used to treat testicular torsion.

· Partial nephrectomy: A part of the kidney is removed, often using a surgical robot for precise movements, especially for small kidney tumors.

· Radical nephrectomy: The kidney is removed due to tumors, nonfunctioning kidneys, or severe symptoms.

· Radical cystectomy: bladder is removed, often performed using a laparoscope or robot.

· Simple prostatectomy: Removes the inner part of an enlarged prostate due to BPH, improving urine flow. It can be done robotically or laparoscopically.

· Radical prostatectomy: Removes the prostate gland to treat localized prostate cancer. It’s performed using laparoscopic or robotic methods.

· Pyeloplasty: Surgery to repair a narrowed or poorly draining ureter (pee tube) to improve urine flow, often done robotically or laparoscopically.

Procedure details:

 What should I expect during minimally invasive urological surgery?

The urologist will explain how a minimally invasive surgery treats the condition. Before the surgery, a physical examination will check overall health, along with questions about health history, medications, and allergies.

Minimally invasive urological surgeries require anesthesia, ensuring patients are not awake and do not feel pain for most procedures. However, for treatments like shock waves or laser surgeries that do not involve cuts, patients may be awake but feel drowsy.

They will receive clear instructions on post-operative care, including when to resume normal activities and any restrictions they should follow to optimize healing.

After the surgery, medical staff will monitor overall health, manage pain, and provide recovery instructions.

Risks / Benefits:

What are the advantages of minimally invasive urological surgery?

Minimally invasive urological surgery provides significant benefits compared to traditional open surgery, such as:

·         It reduces bleeding during surgery.

·         Patients spend less time in the hospital.

·         There’s a lower chance of getting an infection.

·         Recovery is less painful and faster.

·         Patients need less pain medicine.

·         Scars from surgery are more minor.

·         The procedures are very successful in treating conditions.

What are the hazards or complications of minimally invasive urological surgery?

·         All surgeries involve general risks, including:

·         Risks associated with anesthesia.

·         Infections following surgery.

·         Potential damage to organs.

·         Healing complications.

·         Accumulation of fluids at surgical sites (seroma).

·         Patients should discuss specific risks related to their procedure with their urologist for personalized information.

Recovery and Outlook:

What is the betterment time after minimally invasive urological surgery?

Recovery times for different types of minimally invasive urological surgery vary. The urologist will provide an estimate based on the procedure. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on the surgery and overall health conditions. Following the doctor’s advice closely is crucial for a successful recovery.

When to call the doctor:

When should I call my healthcare provider?

After minimally invasive urological surgery, call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

·         Fever or chills that might mean an infection.

·         Continued nausea and vomiting.

·         Heavy bleeding from your cuts.

·         More redness, swelling, pain, or pus around your cuts.

·         Pain that doesn’t get better with your medicine.

·         These signs could show problems needing quick medical help for your recovery.

Additional details:

What is the difference between minimally invasive urological surgery and open urological surgery?

Minimally invasive urological surgery uses minor cuts and special tools like a laparoscope or surgical robot. These tools help the surgical team see and treat the affected areas without harming much of the surrounding tissue. Patients often spend less time in the hospital and recover faster overall.

Open urological surgery is more traditional. The urologist makes a large cut with a scalpel, usually at least 3 inches long but sometimes much longer, depending on the procedure. The surgeon works directly through this big cut to perform the procedure. Open surgery generally takes more extended hospital stays and more time to recover than minimally invasive methods.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, minimally invasive urological surgery offers less invasive procedures with rapid recovery times and reduced hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery. This approach also minimizes risks, making surgery less daunting for patients. Consulting with a Top Urologist In Jaipur will provide detailed insights into how these techniques can effectively treat your condition and address any concerns.