Robotic Surgery

Using a robotic surgical system, urologists at KIMS are able to perform operations more precisely than ever before. The system filters the surgeon's hand tremors and allows better range of motion, which ultimately will narrow the deviation in surgical skill among surgeons and result in less discomfort and quicker recovery times for patients. Faculty members in the Department of Urology are also training other surgeons in minimally invasive surgery. The Department is collaborating with several industry partners to refine techniques that will allow surgeons at remote locations to be trained via teleconferencing and telesurgery.

Cryosurgery

New cryosurgical technology for prostate cancer treatment allows the surgeon to precisely map cancerous cells, freezing and killing the cells that radical prostatectomy would not reach.

Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

Offered as an option for most patients who would be candidates for an open radical prostatectomy. Laparoscopic prostatectomy allows the removal of the prostate through an umbilical incision. Patients usually leave the hospital the next day, and the need for pain medication seems to be reduced. The procedure is as effective as open radical prostatectomy in removing the cancer.

Brachytherapy ("Seed" Implants)

Radioactive "seed" implants have proven effective for patients with low- grade, low volume prostate tumors. The procedure is performed by a team consisting of a urologist, radiation oncologist and physicist and involves the implantation of multiple "seeds" into the prostate. The seeds deliver a higher dose of radiation to the tumor while reducing the risk of complications to surrounding tissue. In some cases, the procedure can replace traditional external-beam radiation, which often requires multiple visits over eight weeks. Seed implants only require one outpatient visit

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Until recently, nephrectomy, or removal of a kidney, was a major operation requiring open surgery and up to eight weeks of recovery. The extent of the procedure was often a deterrent for healthy donors to agree to donate a kidney. But laparoscopic nephrectomy is much less invasive, meaning less pain, a shorter recovery period, and a rapid return to normal activity. Doctors use a miniature video camera and other instruments to perform the procedure.

Cryosurgical Ablation

Roughly half of all prostate cancer patients decline radical surgery, which involves the removal of the prostate. For many of these patients, cryosurgery—which uses freezing as a means of destroying diseased tissues-- can be effective and is equivalent to radiation therapy in eradicating the cancer. The newest cryosurgical technique injects the prostate with ultra-thin cryoprobes cooled by argon gas. This allows the surgeon to map the placement of ice balls and control temperatures throughout the procedure. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and can be performed without an incision, resulting in minimal side effects or blood loss. This procedure is being tested on kidney cancer patients, with encouraging results.