Page 1 - Laparoscopic Surgery in Urology

Urological Health
Laparoscopic surgery in urology
Laparoscopy is a technique that enables surgery to be performed through a series of
“keyhole” incisions.
aparoscopy is a surgical technique in which the
Labdominal and pelvic organs can be examined
and operated on through a series of “keyhole”
incisions rather than one larger incision required
for traditional “open” abdominal cavity surgery.
This surgical approach is used in different surgical
specialties. Many surgeries of the urinary system can
be performed using this technique.
Traditionally, operations have been carried out
through an incision large enough to expose the
affected organ. This requires cutting muscle and tissue
layers which can weaken them and result in a long
recovery period. Today, a video camera attached
to a narrow “scope” can be introduced into the
abdominal cavity to visualize surgery performed with
specialized instruments through keyhole incisions. The
smaller “keyhole” incisions produce less pain and
shorten recovery from surgery and return to normal
function.
In urology, laparoscopic techniques can be used
to remove, biopsy or repair damaged or diseased
portions of the urinary system, including the adrenal
glands, the kidneys, their drainage system, the
bladder and the prostate. Kidney donation for
transplantation can be carried out laparoscopically.
Some young boys with an undescended testicle can
be managed with this approach.
As technology improves, laparoscopic techniques
will be applied to more complex types of surgery.
These procedures, however, are not appropriate for
all patients or all types of surgery; some problems
and some patients are still best managed with open
surgery. In some cases, during laparoscopic surgery
a surgeon may decide that the procedure would be
completed more safely or effectively through a larger
incision, necessitating conversion to traditional “open”
surgery.
Before your laparoscopic surgery
The preparation for laparoscopic surgery is similar
to that of traditional surgery. If you are taking blood
thinners, you should discuss this with your urologist.
You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen
(e.g. Advil , blood thinners and any vitamin or herbal
TM)
supplements before surgery to reduce the risk of
bleeding and unexpected drug interactions. Other
medications should be continued as usual. Please
ask your urologist if you have any question regarding
medications.
Laparoscopic surgery is carried out under general
anesthesia (you will be “put to sleep”). You will
receive specific instructions regarding fasting and
limiting oral fluids for several hours before your surgery.
Your health status may be reviewed pre-operatively
with the doctor managing your anesthetic, the
anesthesiologist. Additional investigations may be
recommended if there is any concern about your
heart or lung function which may be stressed with
surgery.
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