Endurological procedures are special procedures in the specialty of urology that are performed only by making small incisions or even no incisions at all. Compared to conventional urological procedures (open surgery), endurological procedures have a number of advantages.
Endurological procedures are used to treat various conditions or disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Apart from being a treatment, endourology can also be used by doctors to find out the cause and determine ways to prevent the recurrence of a disorder.
Types of Endourology Procedures
The following are some types of endourological procedures that are often performed by urologists to treat disorders of the urinary tract or male reproductive organs:
1. Urethroscopy
This action uses a special tool in the form of a camera tube to see the condition of the urinary tract. Urethroscopy is used to treat a narrowing or blockage of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
2. Ureteroscopy
Similar to urethroscopy, this procedure uses a special tube to view the condition of the urinary tract. The difference is, ureteroscopy is used to remove stones or tumors in the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
3. Cystoscopy
This procedure can display detailed images of the urinary tract with the help of a special telescope-like instrument called a cystoscope.
Cystoscopy is usually used to treat stones or tumors in the bladder. However, doctors can also use this procedure to treat ureteral obstruction or an enlarged prostate.
4. Nephroscopy
Nephroscopy is used to remove stones or tumors in the kidneys. In this procedure, the kidney can be partially or completely removed.
Endourology Procedure
Most endourological procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. Some are only done under local anesthesia, but there are also those that require general anesthesia where the patient is put to sleep. In addition, the incisions made for the entry of surgical instruments are small, even without an incision at all.
In the case of urinary tract stones, for example, stones can be removed or broken using small instruments that are inserted into the body through perforated organs, namely the hole and urinary tract, bladder, then ureter. This allows doctors to perform surgery without making any incisions at all.
Advantages of Endourology Procedure
As previously explained, unlike open surgery which requires wide incisions, the incisions in endurological procedures are relatively small, and even in certain cases, can be performed without the need for any incisions at all.
This makes endurological procedures have a number of advantages over open surgery, namely a shorter length of stay or no need for hospitalization, a lower risk of urinary tract bleeding, and a shorter time to use a urinary catheter after surgery.
However, it should be noted that endourology procedures require sophisticated instruments, so the costs incurred are relatively more expensive and the operation time is relatively longer than open surgery.
If you have a disorder of the urinary tract or reproductive organs and want to know if you are a suitable candidate for an endourology procedure, consult your doctor further.
Your doctor will examine your specific medical history and the specific nature of your illness to decide whether your condition can be treated with endourological procedures.
Written by:
Sonny Seputra, M.Ked.Klin, Sp.B, FINACS
(Surgeon Specialist)
