Urologic Surgery in Ventura County
Learn About Our Surgical Procedures
Recent years have seen remarkable advances in urologic surgery and amazing new techniques, procedures, and technologies continue to be introduced. Our urologists are committed to keeping up with the latest advances in minimally invasive and robotic procedures which are fast becoming the gold standard of urology practice. They perform a broad range of bladder, adrenal glands, kidneys, and ureters, procedures that apply to both sexes. In addition, we have subspecialists who focus on delicate surgeries specific to either the male or female anatomy.
Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery
Also known as laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, minimally invasive urologic surgery involves performing procedures laparoscopically, through tiny “key hole” incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is performed using a laparoscope, a tool that has a tiny video camera and light on the end. The surgeon makes a small incision through which the laparoscope is inserted. The tiny camera sends images back to a video monitor, enabling the surgeon to see inside the surgical field. Surgery is performed using tiny tools that are inserted through the incision(s).
Robotic-Assisted Urologic Surgery
In 2005, Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura became the first hospital between Los Angeles and San Francisco to acquire a da Vinci® Surgical Robot. We currently have three of the latest model da Vinci robots, the fourth generation da Vinci Xi, and we are proud to remain a regional leader in robotic surgery. The da Vinci Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical allows surgeons to perform complex minimally invasive procedures with remarkable accuracy. It also has multiple safety features designed to minimize risks associated with both machine and human error. What’s more, da Vinci robotic surgery has significant benefits for our patients:
- Less trauma to the body
- Less post-operative pain and discomfort
- Reduced risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
- Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions
- Minimal scarring
Open Urologic Surgery
Before the development of laparoscopic techniques and robotic surgeries, all surgery was “open.” In open surgery, the surgeon uses a scalpel to make a large cut, so he or she can access and see the entire surgical field. This has been done safely and effectively. However, compared to both laparoscopic and robotic surgery, open surgery has some disadvantages, such as:
- Longer hospital stays
- Longer recovery time post discharge
- Increased pain during recover
- Larger scars
- Higher risks of complications such as bleeding and infection
While open surgery is being used less frequently, there can still be a need for it. Some types of surgery require access to a larger operating field. Repairs to injured organs or removal of large amounts of tissue, such as in the case of metastasized urologic cancers are most effectively performed through open surgery.
