Procedures

When it comes to treatment, you deserve the latest advances that mean less pain and a quicker return to normal activity. Western Michigan Urological Associates offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive technologies and techniques to for many issues.

• THE da Vinci® SURGICAL SYSTEM

  It’s the most advanced tool available for precise surgical removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) and other complex surgical procedures.

  

  Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the da Vinci system is guided by a skilled surgeon positioned at an operating console near the patient. The surgeon performs the procedure through small laparoscopic openings using tiny surgical instruments. With only small incisions required, the surgeon’s hand movements are scaled, filtered and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments. A magnified, three-dimensional high definition camera gives the surgeon an exceptionally detailed view throughout the procedure.

  The da Vinci system gives the surgeon greater visualization, dexterity, precision, and control. For the patient, potential benefits over the more traditional surgery include:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Smaller incisions
  • Reduced pain
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Faster recovery
  • Quicker return to normal activities
• Laparoscopic Surgery

  Laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” surgery is a specialized technique for performing surgery. It allows us to perform complex procedures within the abdomen without having to place our hands directly into the body cavity. Using this approach, patients often experience less pain, a shorter recovery and less scarring.

  Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as traditional open surgery. A laparoscope is inserted through a small incision near the belly button (umbilicus). We first inspect the abdomen to determine whether laparoscopic surgery may be safely performed.

  Laparoscopic surgery uses several 0.5-1cm incisions called “ports.” At each port a tubular instrument known as a trochar is inserted. Specialized instruments and a special camera known as a laparoscope are passed through the trochars during the procedure. At the beginning of the procedure, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide a working and viewing space.

  The laparoscope transmits images from the abdominal cavity to high-resolution video monitors in the operating room. During the operation, we watch detailed images of the abdomen on the monitor. This system allows us to perform the same operations as traditional surgery but with smaller incisions.

• Lithotripsy

  Lithotripsy is a procedure that uses shock waves to break stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter (tube that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder). After the procedure, the tiny stone fragments pass from your body in your urine.

  Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most common type of lithotripsy. "Extracorporeal" means outside the body. The lithotripsy procedure generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.

  High-energy shock waves (sound waves) pass through your body until they hit the stones. You may feel a tapping sensation when this starts. The waves break the stones into tiny pieces.

  A tube may be placed through your back and into your kidney to drain urine from your kidney until all the small stone pieces pass. The tube may be put in place before or after your lithotripsy treatment.

  How well you do depends on the number of stones, their size, and where in your urinary system they are. Usually, lithotripsy completely removes the stones.

• Cryoablation

  Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure we use to treat prostate cancer without removing the prostate. Using no incisions, we freeze the prostate gland and cancer to destroy the cancer cells. During cryoablation, we apply liquid nitrogen or argon gas to the diseased cells. We use image-guidance such as computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) to help guide the freezing substances to the prostate.

  Cryoablation therapy offers:

  • Favorable success rates
  • Low complication rates
  • A short recuperation period
  • Can be repeated if necessary
  • Often less costly than other traditional treatments