Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat urological problems using one very small incision and a special long, thin medical device.
What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and surgically treat conditions that affect the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Minimally invasive surgery is performed through a few small incisions no longer than one-half inch.
By comparison, traditional open surgery uses one, long incision.
The key piece of equipment, the laparoscope, is a long, narrow tube that contains a light and a high-definition camera. Your doctor inserts the laparoscope through one incision, and it transmits magnified images of the surgical site to a monitor.
Additional specialized surgical instruments (contained in long, narrow tubes), are inserted through other incisions and used to perform surgery.
What are the benefits of laparoscopy?
Several small incisions cause significantly less trauma than the single incision used for open surgery. Other benefits of laparoscopy include:
Minimal bleeding
Fewer complications
Less postoperative pain
Quicker recovery
Slight scarring
Laparoscopic surgery is also often done on an outpatient basis; however, if your procedure is done in the hospital rather than an outpatient clinic, your hospital stay is shorter compared to open surgery.
What is robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery?
Using an advanced robotic surgical system, the experts at Urology Group of Florida can perform laparoscopic procedures with enhanced precision. The robotic system’s precision, combined with its refined, small, robotic surgical tools, make robotic-assisted laparoscopy an ideal choice for delicate urologic surgeries.
While sitting at a comfortable console, your surgeon views the monitor and uses highly sensitive fingertip controls that intuitively translate the surgeon’s hand movements into motions performed by the robotic arms holding the surgical tools.
The robotic system provides better visualization with 3D and zoom capabilities, while the robotic arms are capable of micro-movement and a range of motion that’s better than human hands.
What urological conditions can be treated with laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy safely and effectively treats benign and malignant conditions affecting the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and prostate. Your urologist may recommend laparoscopy for conditions such as:
Prostate cancer
Kidney cancer
Kidney disease
Bladder cancer
Urinary blockage
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
The doctors also use laparoscopic surgery to reconstruct the kidneys, ureter, and bladder. You may need reconstruction to repair congenital or acquired problems, such as scarring.
are less invasive methods to remove both prostate cancer and kidney cancer, allowing surgeons to operate through small incisions in the abdomen.