Urologic surgery has traditionally been open surgery which requires the surgeon to make large, open incisions in the abdomen. Open incisions mean more bleeding, pain, longer hospital stays, and lengthy recovery time. Exciting advances in computer engineering have enabled doctors to perform minimally invasive surgical techniques known as laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery), which is performed through small incisions in the patient’s abdomen.

Additionally, cutting edge advances in robotics combined with laparoscopic technique has resulted in robotic- assisted laparoscopic surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System (by Intuitive Surgical) is one system currently being used for a variety of robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedures, such as the da Vinci prostatectomy.

Minimally invasive surgery is now used to address a variety of oncological (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) urological conditions which affect kidneys, adrenals, ureter, bladder, prostate and lymph nodes.

Is Laparoscopic Surgery for You?

Before surgery, your doctor will take a meticulous patient history and physical exam to assess the state of your health and determine if laparoscopic surgery is right for you.

Laparoscopic surgery is counter if you have certain conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blood clotting issues, intestinal obstruction, or abdominal infection.

Laparoscopic surgery may carry greater risk if you are morbidly obese, pregnant, or have a hernia or a history of extensive abdominal surgery. Your doctor will consider these factors prior to surgery.

How is Laparoscopy Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions in the patient’s abdomen, eliminating the necessity of large, open incisions.

A long, thin, telescopic tool with a light and a high-resolution camera is inserted through a small incision. Images are projected onto an external monitor, enabling your surgeon to clearly visualize the procedure.

Your doctor will use a variety of laparoscopic instruments to perform your surgery such as laparoscopic scissors, scalpels or electrocautery tools (tools which cut and cauterize using controlled electrical currents) are used to make incisions. Other laparoscopic tools are lasers (using high intensity light) or ultrasonic devices (using mechanical vibrations). Entrapment instruments collect tissue samples (for later biopsy) and remove unwanted material (such as kidney stones). Surgeons use aspiration and irrigation instruments during surgery to prep and flush the surgical area.

The length and duration of your surgery will depend on the type of surgery performed, your overall health, and the severity of your symptoms.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery has distinct advantages over open surgery. Smaller incisions mean less bleeding, shorter recovery time, and a shorter stay.More precise tissue removal allows your surgeon to leave more healthy tissue intact, preserving organ function (such as erectile function).

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery combines all the benefits of laparoscopic surgery with better visualization, increased surgical dexterity, and reduced surgeon fatigue.

All surgery carries risks, and may result in complications such as pain, swelling and infection. Talk to your urologist about the advantages of laparoscopy and robot-assisted laparoscopy to see if these procedures are right for you.