What Causes Kidney Stones

Kidneys perform the function of filtering blood to remove waste from it. This waste is mostly water that contains salts such as sodium, calcium and potassium, all collectively referred to as urine. Kidney stones form when these salts are so concentrated in the urine that they crystallize into clumps, that can be as small as a grain of sand or larger.

Ordinarily a kidney stone causes no symptoms until it begins to move in the kidney or to other parts of the urinary system. A small kidney stone can be passed painlessly by urination. Bigger kidney stones, however, can be very painful to pass. But kidney stones are treatable and treatment should help you avoid the painful experience.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones result from the clumping together of salts. Most kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones that form from calcium salts and oxalates. Oxalates occur naturally in some fruits, vegetables and nuts. There are also uric acid stones, which form due to lack of fluid in the body or a significant loss of fluid. Risk factors for the formation of kidney stones include:

1. Lack of Water/ Dehydration
This is without a doubt the most common cause of kidney stones. Stones form when urine salts occur in very high amounts in urine. Drinking adequate amounts of water can dilute the urine and reduce the concentration of salts. People in hot areas should take special care to drink a lot of water because they lose a lot of it in perspiration.

Dr. Rolando Rivera 2. High sodium diet
Many kidney stones have an element of calcium. Too much sodium increases the amount of calcium that kidneys have to process, thereby making it more likely for stones to form. Animal proteins such as red meat and shellfish, also have a reputation for making urine acidic, thereby increasing the possibility of having uric acid stones.

3. Personal or family History
A person who comes from a family with a history of having kidney stones is at an increased risk of having them. Similarly, a person who has had kidney stones before is very likely to suffer a recurrence.

4. Digestive illnesses and surgery
Serious inflammations of the digestive system, chronic diarrhea and gastric bypass surgery all can negatively affect the absorption of fluids and calcium by the body. This makes it more likely for the patient to have kidney stones.

Kidney stones are very common despite the fact that they can be prevented by staying hydrated and watching your diet. If you have them, you should consult a doctor immediately so treatment can be administered promptly. The Advanced Urology Institute offers effective treatment for kidney stones. Its staff of specialists are available to help with diagnosis and treatment and can answer any questions about prevention of kidney stones. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

What is the impact of low testosterone on men according to Dr. Samuel Lawindy?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can lead to reduced sex drive, shrinking testicles, low semen volume, and general fatigue in men.
  • If left untreated, symptoms of low testosterone can increase in severity, potentially causing hair loss, infertility, low bone density, loss of muscle, and weight gain.
  • Regular screening sessions for testosterone levels are important, and men experiencing symptoms should consult a trained urologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the development of the male sexual function. Besides being the main force behind a man’s sex drive and production of healthy sperm, testosterone also plays a role in the manufacturing of red blood cells and the distribution of fat in the male body as well as the regulation of muscle mass and bone density.

The production of testosterone drops gradually as men grow older and men over the age of 60 may develop symptoms of low testosterone. There are, however, instances where the production of testosterone slows down and falls below the required levels for reasons other than aging. Such men are said to be suffering from low testosterone. The level of testosterone can be measured through a simple blood test. In a normally functioning male, the level fluctuates between 300 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL. If the level is below 300 ng/dL, then he may have low testosterone, also called hypogonadism.

Impacts of Low Testosterone on Men

Dr. Samuel Lawindy1. Reduced Sex Drive

A drastic decrease in a man’s urge to have sex may point to low testosterone. Often this will be accompanied by a failure to achieve or maintain an erection, or erectile dysfunction. It is common for men mistakenly to attribute a reduced sex drive to aging. While it is true that the older you are the less interest you may have in sex, this is a gradual process that keeps pace with other bodily changes so when it happens, it is not that much of a surprise. It does not happen abruptly.

2. Shrinking Testicles

Testosterone causes the increase in size of the testicles and the penis during puberty. If the levels go down, it is to be expected that these organs may shrink. The testicles also may feel much softer.

3. Low semen Volume

Testosterone stimulates the production of semen, so low levels of testosterone inhibit the normal production of semen.

4. General Fatigue
Low testosterone levels also may cause a proportionate decrease in energy levels, leading to fatigue. This may be accompanied by a dislike for physical activity and movement.

If left untreated, the symptoms of low testosterone increase in severity and with time may cause hair loss, infertility, low bone density that can develop into osteoporosis, loss of muscle and a marked increase in weight because fat distribution remains unregulated.

The symptoms experienced by patients with low testosterone can mimic symptoms of other conditions. It is therefore necessary for one to undergo diagnostic tests with a trained urologist to determine the cause. Men also should schedule regular screening sessions where their testosterone levels are measured. And it is important to note that hypogonadism is treatable. The Advanced Urology Institute has a highly qualified staff of specialists that can offer a wide variety of treatment options as well as answer any questions. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

TRANSCRIPTION:

So my name is Samuel Lawindy, I’m a board certified urologist at Advanced Urology Institute.
Well low testosterone is a common issue that men may have. It is very important to be evaluated properly for low testosterone. There is a lot of lab values that can be obtained and a lot of information that can be obtained from the proper values and it is important to treat accordingly based on that number.

Not everyone should have testosterone. There are different ways to treat testosterone in regards to treating the hormone that provides testosterone in your body, sometimes blocking the hormone that converts testosterone to estrogen and it’s important to recognize that and treat that accordingly.

Low testosterone symptoms typically include fatigue, low libido, less desire for sex.

You can actually have weight gain, loss of muscle mass and some will actually have decreased outlook in life, somewhat depressed outlook.
Great, they feel wonderful.

If you treat them properly and the testosterone levels come up and they are doing well, tolerating medications well, then they live a normal healthy life.

They just need to be followed again, continually check the testosterone. It’s important to keep checking testosterone and they usually are very happy with the results.

REFERENCES:

Dr. Samuel Lawindy: How Prostate Cancer Is Diagnosed

The prostate gland is the part of the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is the type of cancer that affects this organ. It is the most common cancer in men, with men over the age of 50 being at the greatest risk. It usually does not manifest symptoms in its initial stages. This is unfortunate because it means prostate cancer may not be detected until it is more advanced. Even when it does present symptoms, they might resemble other conditions such as an enlarged prostate. For this reason, before one concludes that they have prostate cancer, it is necessary that they first undergo the specific tests geared toward detecting it.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

There are two preliminary tests for prostate cancer. These are:

1. PSA Test. This tests for an antigen produced by and specific to the prostate. It is normal for the antigen to occur in small quantities. An unusually high level of PSA, however, may indicate the presence of prostate cancer or some other inflammation of the prostate.

Dr. Samuel Lawindy from Daytona Beach, FL2. Digital Rectal Exam. This is very commonly used in prostate screening exercises. The doctor inserts a finger into the rectum and physically examines the prostate. If the doctor detects something unusual in the shape, mass or texture of the prostate, then there may be further tests to determine what the problem is.

The two tests are not conclusive. They simply inform the urologist that something might be wrong and that the patient needs further examination. In order to test for cancer of the prostate specifically, the following procedures may be done after either of the initial tests.

A. A biopsy. A prostate cancer biopsy involves the use of a very fine needle inserted through the rectum to collect tissue from the prostate. The tissue is then tested for cancer.

B. Transrectal ultrasound. The doctor inserts a small probe in the rectum. The probe produces high frequency sounds that bounce off the prostate, producing an image of the prostate that can be projected on a screen and observed in greater detail.

C. MRI Fusion biopsy. This combines an MRI and the transrectal ultrasound to produce a clearer image of the prostate. It gives a better view of the part of the prostate that is affected. If a biopsy is to be performed later, it provides a picture of the precise area where tissue should be tested.

Early detection of prostate cancer improves the chances of successful treatment. It is important for men starting about age 50 to have regular screenings so that any cancer can be detected early. Seek out experienced and certified urologists, such as those on staff at the Advanced Urology Institute, to discuss any concerns and set up screening tests. Such examinations should be a regular part of a man’s health care.
For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

What Procedures Are Performed in the New AUI Surgery Center?

Advanced Urology Institute offers a wide range of outpatient urology procedures in every new surgery facility. Whenever possible, there is a preference for treating patients in outpatient settings where primary, less complicated interventions are provided by board-certified urologists and other skilled medical professionals. Patients have the same quality of care they would get at a hospital setting at a lower cost. And with increased availability of advanced medical technology for outpatient care, new surgical centers have ensured redistribution of procedures and improved the efficiency of delivery of services.

Large number of procedures

At AUI, new surgery centers are used for a large number of procedures, including simple reconstructive operations, stone disease, scrotoplasty, meatoplasty, orchiopexy, pelvic prolapse, prostate and bladder procedures. For instance, urologists at new surgery centers treat incontinence, hematuria, kidney stones, urethritis, inguinal hernia, hydrocele, prostatitis, BPH, urinary tract trauma, urethral strictures, inflammatory urinary tract and bladder diseases, and urinary tract infections. And the fact that the centers are found in different locations encourages redistribution of care and access by more patients.

Common procedures performed in new AUI centers include:

  1. Prostate biopsy: Sampling of diagnostic tissue to be used to test for cancer cells.
  2. Bladder biopsy: Removing or sampling of tissue from the lining of the bladder.
  3. Ureteroscopy: Removing kidney stones using thin telescopic instruments
  4. Cystoscopy: Using a tiny camera to examine an affected area in the bladder through the urethra.
  5. Lithotripsy: Using shock waves to break down kidney stones.
  6. Penile prosthesis: Implanting a device in the penis to treat erectile dysfunction.
  7. Vasectomy for male sterilization.
  8. Circumcision: Removing some or all prepuce (foreskin) from the penis.
  9. Incontinence sling procedure: Implanting an internal support to the urethra to lift it to the normal position and treat incontinence.
  10. Laser vaporization or transurethral resection of prostate: Using a tiny instrument with a laser or electrical loop inserted into the penis to help remove obstructing tissue.
  11. Brachytherapy: Treating prostate cancer by inserting radioactive “seeds” directly into the tissues harboring the cancerous tumor.
  12. Hypospadias: Reconstructing a straight penis, making its urethral opening as close to the penis tip as possible.
  13. InterStim (sacral nerve stimulation): Implanting a tiny pacemaker near the tailbone.
  14. UroLift: Procedure to lift or hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way to prevent blockage of the urethra.
  15. Botox injection: Injecting Botox directly into bladder muscles.

For the more complex procedures that require special equipment, patients are usually admitted to the hospital. For example, robotic surgery procedure, pyeloplasty (reconstruction of renal pelvis), nephrectomy, ureteral reimplants and ureteral stent placement are conducted in hospital settings.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we are committed to delivering top-notch urological care to all our patients. Our surgeons are fully-qualified, board-certified, fellowship-trained urologists, who are renowned for their exceptional expertise in treating urological problems. We also have surgical centers that are supplied with the latest medical equipment and technologies to provide the best possible care.
For more information about our urological services, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Prostate Cancer Recurrence: What Should You Know According to Dr. Jonathan Jay?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Prostate cancer recurrence can occur due to cancer cells left behind during treatment or because the cancer was initially diagnosed as less advanced than it actually was.
  • A rise in Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels and the use of PET/CT imaging scans are effective ways to diagnose recurrent prostate cancer.
  • Treatment options for recurring prostate cancer depend on the initial treatment and may include radiation therapy, surgical removal of the prostate, cryotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Cancer of the prostate affects a small gland that is situated just in front of the rectum and around the base of the urethra in men. It is the most common type of cancer in men, with those over age 50 facing the greatest risk. The good news is that prostate cancer is treatable. Treatment options include surgical removal of the prostate gland, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. A combination of various treatment methods may be applied for full effect. Sometimes, however, even after treatment has been administered successfully, the prostate cancer returns. This is called a recurrence and it occurs with other types of cancer too.

Causes of Prostate Cancer Recurrence

Prostate cancer can recur for two main reasons.

1. A small clump of cancer cells left behind during the earlier course of treatment can grow into a larger number.

2. The cancer initially was diagnosed as being less advanced than it actually was. For instance, a patient might be diagnosed with cancer that is limited only to the prostate while in fact, the cancer might have advanced to the surrounding lymph nodes.

Diagnosis of Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Dr. Jonathan Jay with patientA major indicator of recurring prostate cancer is a rise in Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. A PSA test is always conducted as part of the preliminary work in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, whether initial or recurrent. Ideally, after successful treatment, PSA levels should go down and should stay consistently low. If the level starts to rise again, that is a red light that should be followed up with further testing.

Another test, which doctors agree is very effective in checking for recurrent prostate cancer, is the PET/CT imaging scan. Dr. Jonathan Jay, who has an office in Naples, FL, says the scan is effective because it has the ability to localize the cancer and map out its extent with great accuracy. Treatment of cancer usually depends on being able to tell exactly what part is affected. If this can be done, then it becomes easy to direct treatment at that specific area, which is what a PET/CT imaging scan does.

Treatment of Recurring Prostate Cancer

The form of treatment depends on what was initially administered. The following options are available:

1. If the prostate was surgically removed the first time, radiation therapy may be administered to treat the recurrent cancer;

2. If radiation therapy was administered the first time, a surgical removal of the prostate may be recommended. That decision depends on whether or not the cancer has spread outside of the prostate.

3. Cryotherapy. This treatment involves freezing the cancer cells to kill them.

4. Hormone Therapy. This may be used in combination with other methods. It is also used as a last option when the cancer has spread very far.

The management of recurrent prostate cancer depends on finding the cancer, which most likely would be detected in a post treatment screening. Men who have undergone successful prostate cancer treatment should attend regular screenings after the treatment is finished. Followup screening and checkups are important, and it is important to seek out a comfortable, patient centered treatment center, such as the Advanced Urology Institute. The staff at Advanced Urology Institute is very experienced in working with patients and helping with questions, diagnosis and treatment. They have the knowledge and technology to work with the patient through every step of the process. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website/

TRANSCRIPTION: 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, affecting about one in nine. While prostate cancer can be cured in some men, approximately one in three men will experience what is known as recurrent prostate cancer, which is prostate cancer that has come back after initial treatment. Now unfortunately, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men; about one in 41 will die from prostate cancer this year, and that’s according to the American Cancer Society.

The good news is that there are newer imaging techniques that can help locate recurrent prostate cancer. Being able to locate the disease in the body can really help doctors personalize care for patients living with recurrent prostate cancer. Here to help us understand more about this is Dr. Jonathan Jay and his patient Peter Irving. Welcome to both of you.

Thank you. Doctor, let me start with you. This is Men’s Health Month, so let’s start with prostate cancer and what it is.

Well, we’ll take a step back and start with what the prostate is because most people don’t understand what the prostate is. The prostate is a male reproductive organ, and one-third of the fluid that a man sees in his ejaculation comes from the prostate. The purpose of this fluid is to nourish and protect sperm until conception.

It’s treatable?

Yes, prostate cancer is treatable. Prostate cancer in its treatable stages is asymptomatic, so it’s very important for men to understand that they need to have an evaluation on a yearly basis starting at age 50, which would entail a rectal examination and a blood test called PSA.

Alright, so let’s bring in Peter. When were you diagnosed? What happened?

In 2008, I was diagnosed with cancer following a needle biopsy in which 12 out of 13 were positive. So you were doing a routine exam, Peter?

Just routine, and the PSA started to spike over a period of months. From what to what?

My normal was 1.5, let’s say, and this kept creeping up, and I think my general practitioner sent me to a urologist when it got to like four or five. But at that time, they still did not believe I had prostate cancer; things just weren’t what they thought they should be. That’s why I went to the urologist, and then I had the needle biopsy.

Which confirmed it?

Which confirmed it, and then I went and had surgery, had it removed, and followed with the same urologist. To be checked?

Yeah.

Alright, doctor, let me bring you in. If you could define PSA for us, please, and inform us of the levels that happened.

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen; it’s a protein that’s excreted solely by the prostate, so it’s a great way of monitoring whether a patient has prostate cancer, develops prostate cancer, or has a reoccurrence of prostate cancer. The significance of PSA is what the PSA is in an individual. In Peter’s case, his PSA was one and increasing over time; that was indicative that something was changing and something was wrong.

Understood. So, Peter, you have the surgery, you’re living your life, and then you have recurrent prostate cancer?

Well, my PSA started to spike again, you know, in theory, you shouldn’t have any PSA.

Exactly. And I believe it was somewhere again in the ones, and then it kept rebounding and going up and up, and we watched it for four years. In 2016, they decided to do radiation therapy and hormone therapy together, and they concentrated on the spot they found through the new imaging, and today I’m zero.

That’s fantastic. Doctor, since he mentioned the new imaging, it’s a PET CT imaging test. Tell me, what is different about this test as opposed to what is always used, I guess, in a bone scan and CT, right?

Yes. So, what are the differences between what was used then and what he used?

We had to define the location and extent of this disease, so conventionally, how do we do that? CT scan is a test that has the ability to survey the body without making an incision; we can survey the body for soft tissue changes, we can detect enlarged lymph nodes, we can detect masses within the abdominal cavity. Bone scan surveys the bone for reoccurring disease. Now, think of this: with these conventional tests, you have to have a mass—a mass would be hundreds of thousands or millions of cells in one place—to be detected by these conventional studies. This newer CT PET scan has the ability to define the location and extent of prostate cancer, reoccurring prostate cancer, at an earlier stage and at a lower PSA.

And how does that make a difference then for the treatment?

It’s very important because we want to treat the disease; we need to define the extent and location of the disease, as that dictates our treatment options. So, as opposed to, let’s say, affecting other organs in the body, you’re minimizing the effects?

Absolutely. In Peter’s case, we were able to do a CT PET scan, localize reoccurrence to one area within the pelvis, and we were able to treat that, but we treated that with radiation or hormonal therapy. We were able to treat that without affecting any of the other organs around it.

Peter, you’re doing fine now, right? Everything is controlled?

A negative PSA test for two-plus years.

So, for our viewers out there, and we have lots of males, what would you say, what would be your final thoughts, your words of wisdom?

Just have a routine, probably at the age of 45.

45, 50, yes. Start getting your PSAs on a yearly basis, and it’ll make you feel much better. Absolutely. So not worrying about that.

Doctor, any final takeaways?

One of the important things is that prostate cancer is prevalent in our community, yes, but if found early, it’s a treatable medical condition, and all you have to do is a simple rectal examination and a blood test called PSA with your primary care physician. If something were to happen again in the future, would you suggest again this new imaging test to him?

Absolutely. If we saw increasing PSAs, the first thing that I would do is this new CT PET scan.

Alright, thank you so much, gentlemen, both of you for your time. Thank you, and I’m glad you’re doing fantastic.

REFERENCES: 

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at AUI

Advanced Urology Institute (AUI) is an organization that brings together trained, competent and board certified urologists. AUI is well known for its specialization in the treatment of urological disorders in men. Much less known is that urologists at AUI also offer treatment for urological and pelvic disorders in women. Female patients with pelvic organ prolapse can visit any AUI facility where they will find an impressive variety of treatment options. In addition to organ prolapse, AUI also treats kidney problems, bladder complications, urinary tract infections, incontinence, and problems with sexual function.

Treatment Options Available for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

A pelvic organ prolapse involves the drooping of pelvic organs due to a weakness in the muscles of the pelvic floor. When this happens, the bladder, the small intestine, the rectum, the uterus or the upper vaginal wall drops into the vagina. The condition disrupts the urine flow and can affect the reproductive function by making it difficult, uncomfortable or painful to have sexual intercourse.

The condition can be treated by:

1. Physical exercise

Kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic muscles. The exercises involve a woman imagining she has to urinate, then instead of letting it out, she squeezes her muscles to hold it in. It is recommended to repeat the exercises 10 to 15 times a day.

2. A pessary

This is a ring-like device that is inserted into the vagina to hold the affected organ in its proper place.

3. Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Rolando Rivera - Naples, FLReconstructive surgery is a testimony to how much technology has improved the practice of medicine. In cases of pelvic organ prolapse, the surgery is performed to restore the affected organ to its proper place. There are different types of reconstructive surgery, depending on the type of organ prolapse being treated. Whatever the type of reconstructive surgery, however, it is a minimally invasive procedure.

Even though it is effective, not every patient qualifies for reconstructive surgery. Some factors that must be considered include:

  • When a woman intends to have children. The surgery may be discouraged because the prolapse may return after the birth.
  • Age. Younger women may be advised not to have the surgery because of the risk that it may recur and they are more likely to have a child in the future, increasing the risk of a recurrence.
  • When one has a serious illness, it may be advisable not to have the surgery so as to avoid complications.

The well being of the patient is a top priority at AUI. A female patient with organ prolapse will not only receive the most advanced treatments available, the team also will listen to her questions and work with her on a plan of treatment that is best suited to her needs. AUI makes it a priority to provide information on the topic of pelvic organ prolapse and to be available to discuss any concerns. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Vasectomy: A Quick and Easy Birth Control

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to cut or block the vas deferens. The vas deferens is a tube that runs from the scrotum which holds the testes in which sperm is manufactured and connects with the seminal vesicles to form the ejaculatory duct. When the vas deferens is cut or blocked during a vasectomy, sperm cannot reach the semen produced in the seminal vesicles. The result is that the semen discharged when a man ejaculates does not have sperm in it. Without sperm, there can be no pregnancy. So a vasectomy is considered one of the most effective methods of birth control.

A vasectomy can be done in two ways:

1. No scalpel Vasectomy. In this procedure, a urologist feels the scrotum and finds the vas deferens. Once the vas deferens can be felt, a clamp is placed on it to hold it in place. A hole is made in the skin and the vas deferens is lifted out. It is cut and the separate ends are tied and put back into place.

2. Conventional Vasectomy. Small incisions are made on each side of the scrotum. The vas deferens is then cut and a small piece of it may be taken out. The separate ends are then tied or seared. This procedure often requires the use of an anesthetic.

The procedure takes about thirty minutes. The outcome, however, takes a while to be realized. Most professionals advise that it takes about three months, or at least 15-20 ejaculations, for semen to become completely sperm free. Before then, it may be advisable to use other forms of birth control. Aftercare usually requires mild pain medication and wearing supportive underwear. Ice packs also can help with the pain. Most men recover within one week.

What to consider before undergoing a Vasectomy

The high success rate of a vasectomy requires absolute certainty on the part of the man that he does not wish to have any more children. In instances in which the man is married, it is necessary for him to discuss the matter with his spouse. A vasectomy is widely considered to be irreversible. When it is reversible, the procedure is sensitive and difficult.

The importance of having the advice of a urologist before, during and after the procedure cannot be understated. Qualified urologists can be found in most hospitals and the search for one can be undertaken online. The Advanced Urology Institute runs a site with very relevant information and this can be a good place to start. For more information on vasectomy, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

What Are The Advantages of Using Robots in Surgery?

The use of robots in surgery, also called robotic surgery or da Vinci surgery, is an impressive fusion of medicine and engineering that has transformed the medical field. It involves the use of miniaturized robotic instruments inserted into the body through a small incision and guided through the operation by a surgeon sitting at a console. It has brought the following advantages:

1. Increased visibility and precision

The surgeon views the entire anatomy, with specific focus on the surgical site, through a 3D high definition camera. This means even the smallest blood vessels are visible and the surgeon can follow the movement of the instruments with pinpoint accuracy. The surgeon has a clear view of what they are working on and the incidence of human error is cut down dramatically. The smaller instruments also can access tight spots that otherwise would be impossible or extremely difficult for a surgeon to reach.

2. It is a minimally invasive procedure

The incisions made in robotic surgery are only done to accommodate the tiny instruments. There is a world of difference between this procedure and open surgery where a surgeon has to make large incisions on skin and sometimes even cut through muscle to reach the surgical site. The minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery means numerous additional benefits, such as:

a. It causes only a little bleeding;
b. It results in minimal scarring;
c. The patient requires a short recovery period;
d. The patient suffers less pain and physical discomfort, both during and e. after the surgery;
f. There is a very small chance of post-surgery infections;
g. Overall there is less surgical trauma; and
h. There is a rapid return to normal everyday activities.

3. It is less strenuous on surgeons

Most surgeries take two to three hours but complex procedures go on for longer. Surgeons must stay sharp and focused, and in the case of open surgeries, on their feet for as long as the surgery takes. It is only fair to expect that they might suffer from fatigue. In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits can view the anatomy of the patient and control the surgical instruments while sitting at a console. This is definitely easier on the surgeon, who should be able to better maintain better concentration during long surgeries. It also makes it less likely for a mistake to occur.

Robotic surgery is available for almost all surgical procedures. A patient should see a specialist to discuss the applicability of robotic surgery to his or her case. For prostate, kidney and other urinary system problems for instance, the highly specialized urologists and doctors at Advanced Urology Institute can help you with a diagnosis as well as explain the best procedures for you, including robotic surgery. For more information about robotic surgery, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.