When we think of surgery, we think of a big incision, a few days in the hospital, and a lot of pain, right? That fear is actually justified. But now medicine has advanced a lot. Especially when treating diseases related to the urinary system, there are now surgical methods that are often performed without making large incisions, but through small holes. These are what we call minimally invasive surgery. Today we are talking about this topic that is important to many people.
Simply put, what is minimally invasive surgery?
This is as the name suggests. Instead of a large incision, we use this name to refer to a surgery that is performed through one or more very small incisions, the size of a dime, to be exact. In this method, there is very little damage to healthy tissue, and the amount of blood lost during the surgery is also very low.
With these surgeries, specialists can treat many diseases related to your urinary system (kidneys, bladder, urethra), female reproductive system, and male reproductive system.
What are the different methods of performing this surgery?
There are several main methods for performing this minimally invasive surgery. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate method based on your condition.
Laparoscopic surgeries
This is a very popular method. What happens here is that a thin tube with a camera attached to it (laparoscope) is passed through a small incision into the body. The images from this camera can be magnified and viewed clearly on a screen. Then, one or two more small incisions are made and the delicate instruments required for the surgery are inserted through them to perform the surgery. To be precise, the doctor performs the surgery inside your body while looking at a large screen.
Robotic Surgery
This is another advanced method. Here, the doctor does not directly use surgical instruments. Instead, he sits at a computer control system (Surgical Console) and controls several robotic arms. The small surgical instruments attached to these robotic arms can move more precisely and over a greater range than a human arm. Also, since the special camera used for this provides three-dimensional (3D) images inside the body, the doctor and the surgical team can see everything very clearly. This allows even very delicate and complex surgeries to be performed with great precision.
Single-port Surgery
In this method, the surgery is performed through a single small incision in the abdomen or groin. First, a small amount of carbon dioxide gas is injected into the abdomen to inflate it. This allows for a better view of the internal organs and allows for the use of surgical instruments. Then, a camera and other necessary instruments are inserted through that single incision and the surgery is performed.
Endoscopic surgeries
There is no incision in the body. Instead, the surgery is performed through a natural opening in the body (such as the urethra). A long, flexible, thin tube (endoscope) with a camera and surgical instruments at the end is inserted through this opening to treat problems in the bladder, ureters, or kidneys.
In some cases, high-energy shock waves or lasers are used instead of surgery to treat certain conditions (for example, kidney stones).
Common conditions treated with these methods
There are many conditions that can be treated using these modern surgical techniques. Let's look at a few of them.
| Condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Bladder Cancer | Removal of cancerous cells in the bladder or removal of the bladder itself. |
| Kidney Cancer | Removal of the cancerous tumor in the kidney or the entire kidney. |
| Prostate Cancer | Removal of the gland for prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body. |
| Kidney Stones | Crushing stones with shock waves or removing stones with endoscopy. |
| Kidney Cysts | Removing large watery cysts that are causing pain or other problems. |
| Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Restoration of uterine or vaginal prolapse in women. |
| Undescended Testicles | Placing the testicles of young children in their proper place. |
| Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) | Removal of the inner part of the prostate gland that is enlarged and obstructs urination. |
What to expect before and after surgery?
If you are recommended to have this type of surgery, the doctor will explain everything to you.
- He will ask about your medical condition, the medications you are taking, and any allergies you have.
- You will be examined to see if you are in a suitable physical condition for surgery.
- They will also advise you on what to eat and drink the day before the surgery.
Anesthesia is used during these surgeries. Most of the time, you are completely anesthetized, so you don't feel anything. After the surgery, your health will be monitored, pain medication will be given, and you will be given instructions on what to do to recover quickly. When you are ready to go home, you will be discharged from the hospital.
The difference between traditional open surgery and this modern method
Once you understand the difference between these two methods, you will better understand the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.
| Characteristic | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Size of the incision | A few very small (about the size of a dime) cuts. | One large cut, 3 to 12 inches or longer. |
| Bleeding | Very low. | Relatively high. |
| Time in the hospital | Usually short (1-3 days). | Longer term (several days or weeks). |
| Pain | Less pain during recovery. Less need for painkillers. | The pain is too much during recovery. |
| Time to heal | Quick. You can quickly return to normal activities. | It's getting late. |
| Scars | Very small, barely noticeable scars. | A large, clearly visible scar is left. |
| Risk of infection | Less. | Too much. |
Like all surgeries, are there any risks with this?
Yes, there is a small risk with any surgery. These surgeries may also have some common risks.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
- Infection.
- Damage to other surrounding organs.
- Cut healing problems.
But remember, these risks are much less likely to occur with open surgery. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any other risks related to the specific surgery you are having.
When to talk to the doctor after surgery
After you go home after surgery, if you develop any of the following symptoms , notify your doctor immediately .
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Excessive bleeding from cuts.
- If there is increased swelling, pain, discoloration, or pus around the incision.
- The pain is so severe that the painkillers prescribed by the doctor cannot control it.
This modern technology has greatly reduced the fear of surgery. It is a very convenient and quick recovery method for patients. If you also need surgery for a urinary tract problem, talk to your doctor about these minimally invasive methods. He or she will inform you about the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Take-Home Message
- Minimally Invasive Surgery is a modern, highly successful method of treating diseases of the urinary system.
- Because small incisions are used instead of large incisions, there is less pain, less hospital stay, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.
- These surgeries are performed using various methods such as laparoscopy and robotic technology.
- This method may not be suitable for every condition. Your doctor will determine which surgical method is best for you.
- If you are scheduled for surgery, discuss the pros, cons, and risks with your doctor and make a decision.
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