Minimally invasive urology surgery with UC Urology

What is minimally invasive urology surgery?

Minimally invasive (urology) surgery (MIS) is a technique of performing surgical procedures using specialized instrumentation inserted through small incisions in the skin (keyhole surgery or laparoscopy) or through naturally existing orifices in the body (endoscopy). MIS also includes the exciting new field of robotic surgery, in which laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) procedures are performed with high precision using a surgical robot.

Laparoscopic Urology Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery involves the insertion of a camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments into the body through small skin incisions. The body cavity is then distended using an inert gas such as carbon dioxide and the surgery is performed inside the body while watching the images on a television monitor. The surgical procedure is identical to the open procedure except that it is much less invasive without the need for large incisions.

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Urology Surgery

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery performed by using a FDA approved surgical robot called the da Vinci robot. The surgeon controls the movements of the robotic arms attached to special laparoscopic instruments with wrist-like motion, which are inserted through small incisions in the body wall. The dexterity of these special instruments along with the increased magnification and 3-dimensional vision allows for increased precision during laparoscopic surgery, especially in complex urologic procedures such as robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Endoscopic Urologic Surgery

Endoscopic urologic surgery (Endourology) involves the insertion of specialized instruments called endoscopes through naturally existing body orifices such as the urethra. Urologic procedures are then performed from within the lumen with the help of these specialized instruments, while watching the images on a television monitor. This approach, which is applicable only to certain urologic conditions, is less invasive than laparoscopic surgery. Advanced flexible endoscopic instruments are available which can adapt to the normal curvatures and contours of the urologic organs.

Ablation

Ablation therapy is a minimally invasive treatment modality resulting in localized destruction of tumors, without the need for surgical excision or removal. Ablation can be achieved using different energy sources. We perform ablation therapy using a technique called cryoablation, which involves freezing of tumor cells. Cryoablation is indicated for the treatment of selected cases of localized kidney tumors and prostate cancer, and can be performed using either a laparoscopic approach (kidney tumor) or percutaneously (prostate cancer, kidney tumor).

The University of Cincinnati Urology Division is one of the leading urology programs, not just in Cincinnati, but in the U.S. UC Urology provides quality health care using the most advanced technology and state-of-the-art diagnostic treatments. Many of our urologists are recognized in multiple national and local "Best Doctors" and "Top Doctors" listings. We provide minimally invasive surgical treatments which include laparoscopic, robot-assisted laparoscopic and endourologic procedures as well as comprehensive care for all urologic conditions.