Urological conditions are wide-ranging and can affect anyone at any age. But even though they’re common, they can be uncomfortable, painful and persistent, slowing you down and getting in the way of doing what you love.
The good news is that these conditions are fairly easy to diagnose, and advancements in technology are making it easier for urologists to perform the complex procedures needed to fix them. At AdventHealth, our urology team specializes in the robotic procedures that are making the path to recovery clearer and simpler than ever before.
A Urologist’s Special Focus
Urologists focus on both the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Many urologists have advanced training in sub-specialties, such as urologic oncology, kidney transplants, male infertility, female urology, neurourology and calculi (urinary tract stones).
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
A good urologist will investigate and help you understand your options for the most effective and least invasive treatments. But sometimes, surgery is necessary. If that’s the case, progressive surgical techniques, like robotic surgery, offer minimally invasive options.
“These procedures can reduce pain, scarring and your recovery time,” says urologist Amar Raval, MD. “They’re an appealing alternative to traditional, open surgeries.” Some robotic-assisted procedures are performed using the advanced da Vinci surgical systems.
Da Vinci® Xi Surgical System
Used for radical prostatectomy, the da Vinci® Xi is a robotic surgery system that lets surgeons view the surgical site using magnified 3D technology. They can then make more precise adjustments during procedures, reducing the chance of complications.
Robot-assisted surgical systems like the da Vinci also give your operating physician enhanced visibility of the surgical site and an increased range of motion. This results in fewer complications and better patient outcomes.
Urology, in particular, has become a technology‐driven specialty. Over the past 20 years, robotic surgical systems have put urologists at the forefront of this technology. Surgeons can now perform complex procedures like prostate, bladder and kidney removals using minimally invasive robotics.
In fact, over 50% of gynecological and urologic procedures are now performed using robotic-assisted techniques.
Other Minimally Invasive Treatments for Urological Conditions
At AdventHealth, we provide comprehensive care for some of the most complex urological conditions, including bladder cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, incontinence, sexual dysfunctions and urinary tract infections. We specialize in many minimally invasive, state-of-the-art procedures to treat a range of urological conditions.
Axonics
If you have an overactive bladder, bowel incontinence or urinary retention, Axonics can help improve urinary and bowel control. It’s a rechargeable pacemaker-like system that lasts up to 15 years and restores the communication between your brain and bladder or bowel system. The procedure is normally performed in less than an hour and you can expect to go home the same day with minimal pain.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
A prostate cancer treatment, HIFU targets only cancer and leaves healthy tissue untouched and unharmed. This dramatically lowers the chances of side effects.
ProTouch Laser
For the urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, the ProTouch laser is a precise technique that minimizes bleeding, while shrinking or removing the excess tissue that prevents urine flow.
Rezūm
An outpatient procedure, Rezūm treats enlarged prostates. It sends tiny streams of water vapor through the urethra to the enlarged prostate gland. The water destroys the problematic excess cells, which are then slowly removed naturally by the body. With Rezūm there is no incision, only a catheter. That means there’s no general anesthesia and the recovery time is usually just a few days.
UroLift
For patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the UroLift lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it stops blocking the urethra. It doesn’t require any heating, cutting or the removal of prostate tissue, making it more likely that you can go home on the same day without a catheter.
Find Help at AdventHealth
You don’t have to face difficult urological conditions alone, and they don’t have to persist.
“Even for serious conditions, there are so many options for minimally invasive procedures,” says Dr. Raval. “An AdventHealth urologist can help you explore every available avenue, so you can heal and feel like yourself again.”
Your path to good health starts here — put an end to your discomfort, embarrassment and frustration. The urologic experts near you can help determine if a minimally invasive treatment might be the key to getting you back on track.
