Urologic Surgical Procedures in Ventura County
Minimally Invasive Surgeries
Some urologic conditions can be treated totally non-invasively, with medication or even lifestyle changes, while others require laparoscopic, robotic, or conventional surgery. While the procedures below are minimally invasive, they can be performed in the doctor’s office as they do not involve any cutting.
Lithotripsy
This procedure uses shock waves to break down kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary system. Lithotripsy is performed with the patient lying down. The urologist locates the stone using X-rays or ultrasound. Then the doctor presses the lithotripsy device against the patient's skin, sending shock waves through the body to break the stones into fragments small enough to be painlessly passed. The procedure is virtually painless, although patients feel tapping sensation and sometimes, a slight sting.
Ureteroscopy
This procedure involves inserting an instrument called a ureterorenoscope, used to diagnose and treat a variety of urinary tract issues. To treat urethral stones, the tiny scope is passed through the urinary opening and threaded up to the bladder and urethra to precisely locate a stone. Then, the stone can either be grasped with tiny tweezers and removed through the urethra or broken up into smaller pieces using shock waves or a laser.
UroLift® (Male)
The minimally invasive UroLift procedure relieves the symptoms of BPH by lifting and holding an enlarged prostate off the urethra. Our UroLift specialists are recognized as the regional leaders in this procedure.
No Scalpel Vasectomy (Male)
A vasectomy is an excellent option for men seeking a permanent form of birth control. Semen is a combination of seminal fluid, produced by the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, and sperm cells, which develop in the testes. Sperm moves from the testes to the penis through two tubes called the vas deferens. A vasectomy stops sperm from leaving the vas deferens and mixing with seminal fluid. The man still ejaculates, and sensation is normal, but he cannot make a woman pregnant.
For this minimally invasive procedure, an instrument resembling needle nose pliers is used to make a tiny puncture in the scrotum and stretch the skin open. The doctor then pulls out a small section of the vas deferens, severs it, and closes off both ends so that sperm can no longer get through to mix with seminal fluid. The puncture closes easily, with no need for sutures.
