Minimally invasive urological surgery employs advanced techniques that enable urologists to treat specific conditions without resorting to traditional open surgery involving large incisions in the body. Minimally invasive surgery usually reduces pain and time to recovery for the patient.
Urologists commonly employ this type of surgery to address various issues of the urinary system, female reproductive system, and male reproductive system (genitourinary systems).
There are several methods through which minimally invasive urological surgery can be performed, including:
Before choosing a minimally invasive approach, there are some questions you may want to ask.
Is your surgeon fellowship-trained in minimally invasive urologic surgery?
The body that oversees fellowship training in minimally invasive urology is the Society of Endourology. Most clinical fellowships last one-to-two years.
How many minimally invasive procedures has the surgeon performed? How many does he perform in a year?
Proficiency in laparoscopic urologic surgery is achieved and maintained with a minimum of 20 cases per year.
What percentage of the surgeons' practice is devoted to performing laparoscopic procedures?
Most skilled laparoscopic urologic surgeons devote more than 15 percent of their time to the performance of laparoscopic surgery.
