Are you worried about the complications of of surgical correction for an enlarged prostate? Do you want to reverse a vasectomy? Many of today’s urological surgeries are minimally invasive, which means reduced pain, recovery time and more. In this blog, we will explore three of the most popular–and effective– minimally invasive urological procedures, how they are performed and where you can go in Phoenix for urological surgeons of the highest expertise.
Can Urological Surgery Be Minimally Invasive?
Yes, it can. A surgery is considered minimally invasive if it:
- Uses small instruments
- Causes minimal disruption to healthy tissue
- Uses small incisions (or no incisions)
- Has minimal blood loss and pain
- Has a quick recovery with fewer complications
Some of the minimally invasive genitourinary tract surgeries you may have heard of are:
- Kidney stone removal (lithotripsy)
- Pelvic organ prolapse (in women)
- Tubal ligation (permanent sterilization for women)
- Vasectomy (permanent sterilization for men)
- Vasectomy reversal
Can You Qualify for a Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Your overall health, diagnosis, surgery risks and potential for positive results are just some of the factors your urology specialist will consider when determining if you can have one of these state-of-the-art procedures.
You will undergo an in-office exam, bloodwork, imaging (if necessary) and an in-depth review of your symptoms, prescription medications, over the counter vitamins and supplements and your medical history.
Common Minimally Invasive Urological Surgeries
Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL)
Also called a UroLift procedure, this minimally-invasive surgery can be done in-office. During the procedure, the urologist installs small biocompatible devices through the urethra where urine passes out of the body. These devices permanently move the lobes of the prostate away from each other, so they stop closing the urethra. The result is that the urethra is opened permanently.
With a PUL procedure, there is no required anesthesia, stitches or lengthy recovery time. Side effects of urinary tract burning, pain and urgency quickly resolve in the postoperative period. Patients leave the urology clinic and return to normal activities the day after their prostatic urethral lift procedure.
Vasectomy
Also performed in the office, the vasectomy is a popular and effective means of permanent male sterilization. The urologist uses a small punch tool inserted in the scrotum to access and block the vas deferens, the sperm conduits between the testicles and urethra.
The surgery needs no sutures, scalpel or even sedation or anesthesia. Taking just 30 minutes, the vasectomy renders a man sterile. After a post-vasectomy sperm analysis confirms there are no sperm in the semen, the man can resume sex without concern about fathering a child.
Vasectomy Reversal
A subspecialty of Dr. Avila at Ironwood Urology, vasectomy reversal is a minimally invasive surgery which employs microsurgical techniques. A vasectomy reversal re-establishing a route between the testicles and urethra so that sperm can be in the ejaculate again. The procedure does need general and local anesthetic and can take up to four hours. However, recovery is quick, and men return to work and other activities within days. Fertility is confirmed with a series of sperm count tests.
This minimally invasive surgery has proven to be very successful, particularly if the interval between the original vasectomy and the reversal is relatively short. Pregnancy happens after more than 50 percent of these microsurgery procedures.
Exceptional Urological Surgeries in Phoenix and Mesa, AZ
Surgery does not have to be scary, even if it involves the genitourinary tract. If you wish to learn more about the sophisticated techniques that renowned urological surgeon Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. uses at Ironwood Urology, please call us for a consultation. You can reach us at (680 961-2323, or request your appointment online. We look forward to seeing you soon!
