Common urology procedures you should know about

While most people know what urology is, many don’t realise just how broad the types of urological treatments and procedures are available.

Urologists have a considerable number of different procedures to treat various conditions. Check out some of the most common urology procedures below.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that employs fibre-optic instruments to inspect and operate on the organs inside the abdomen or the pelvic cavities. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a surgical method performed using small tools that are attached to a robotic system. Rather than the surgeon performing the procedure with their own hands, they control robotic arms with a computer.

Prostatectomy

Prostatectomy is used to describe a number of different surgical procedures to remove either part or all of the prostate gland. It is used to treat prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions that affect the prostate gland.

Nephrectomy

Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove either part or all of the kidney. It is usually carried out in order to treat cancer and other kidney diseases, to remove an organ that is damaged or to remove a healthy kidney for transplantation.

Cystectomy

Cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove either part or all of the bladder, usually to treat bladder cancer.

Adrenalectomy

An adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove either one or both of the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys and produce certain hormones.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for permanent contraception in men. It involves cutting and blocking the vas deferens – a tube located in the groin that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis.

Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy is a surgical procedure that employs a small, flexible instrument called an ureteroscope to inspect and treat issues inside the kidneys and urinary tract.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

A transurethral resection of the prostate – commonly abbreviated as TURP – is an operation on the prostate gland for men who are having trouble urinating due to enlargement of the prostate gland.

Pyeloplasty

Pyeloplasty involves operating on the renal pelvis in the kidney where the urine is collected after it is produced.

Transurethral Resection of the Bladder

A transurethral resection of the bladder – often abbreviated as TURB or TURBT – is a surgical procedure to either operate on or inspect the bladder.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate – otherwise more simply known as holmium laser prostate surgery or abbreviated as HoLEP – is a minimally invasive procedure to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Thrombectomy

A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot (thrombus) from an artery or vein.

Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection – abbreviated as RPLND or known as a lymphadenectomy – is a surgical procedure to remove cancerous abdominal lymph nodes to treat the spread of testicular cancer.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus (womb). It is usually performed to treat ovarian cancer, heavy or very painful menstrual periods, severe pelvic pain, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Want to learn more about urological health? Check out some of our recent blog posts:

Vasectomy: What you need to know

10 bladder health superfoods you should incorporate in your diet

What blood in your urine might mean

Dr Arianayagam is a highly regarded urologist and skilled oncologist. If you have any further questions about any urology procedure or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to call today.