Minimally Invasive Urology Program
The Minimally Invasive Urology Program treats kidney stones and urinary tract conditions in adults and children with and without using surgery. It combines the clinical expertise of internationally known specialists with the latest research and surgical techniques.
The Program uses small instruments, such as endoscopes, to go inside the kidneys or bladder without major surgery. A tube and an optical device are used to see inside an organ or cavity. The tubes go in through a small cut or natural opening, making the procedure less painful and risky. This also helps speed recovery and helps avoid complications.
This type of surgery can be done on children as young as 18 months and adults in their 90s. Our specialists were among the first to perform these procedures. They have completed hundreds with excellent results.
The Minimally Invasive Urology Program is one of the few places in the nation that offers laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. This innovative procedure allows a person to donate a kidney using minimally invasive surgery. Only three small incisions (less than half-inch each) are needed for the laparoscopic instruments and miniature camera. The kidney is taken out through another, slightly larger incision. Since no muscle tissue is cut, the donor usually can leave the hospital in a day or two. People going through this process recover faster. Typically, they can return to work and regular activities (except for very hard exercise) in one to two weeks.
With traditional surgery, removing a kidney takes a rather large incision and about six weeks to recover. Usually, the donor can't return to work or his or her regular activities for several weeks or months. There is no greater risk with the laparoscopic surgery than with traditional surgery.
