KIDNEY REMOVAL SERIES

Normal anatomy

The kidneys are paired organs that lie posterior to the abdomen, in the area of the lower back. The kidneys make urine, which is transported from the kidneys to the bladder by the ureters.

indications

Nephrectomy may be recommended for:kidney deformities (birth defects: congenital abnormalities)injury (trauma)diseaseinfectionhypertensiontumorremoval of kidney from donor for kidney transplant

incisions

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the abdomen or in the side of the abdomen (flank).

procedure

The tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureter) and the blood vessels are cut away from the kidney and the kidney is removed. The incision is then closed. This opoeration is called a nephrectomy.

aftercare

Patients are generally in the hospital after surgery for 3-5 days. The removal of one kidney generally has no health consequences as long as the remaining kidney is functioning well. Some centers are now performing nephrectomies using laparoscopic surgical techniques.

TURP SERIES

Normal anatomy

The prostate gland is an organ that surrounds the urinary urethra in men. It secretes fluid that mixes with the sperm to make semen.

indication

An enlarged prostate gland compresses the urethra, causing problems with urination. Prostate enlargement is caused by prostate gland overgrowth (benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia) or in some cases, prostate cancer.

procedure

With an anesthetic (general anesthetic or spinal), a special kind of telescope, called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra into the prostate. The resectosope is used to remove the blocking portions of the prostate. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common type of surgical procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

aftercare

TURP is typically successful at removing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

PROSTECTOMY SERIES

normal anatomy

The prostate gland is an organ that surrounds the urinary urethra in men. It secretes fluid which mixes with sperm to make semen. The urethra carries urine from the bladder, through the prostate gland to the penis.

indication

With the exception of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States. Early detection may result from a blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen), and/or a digital rectal exam. The digital rectal exam checks the rear surface of the prostate gland for any abnormalities. A lump or hardness found during the exam might be a sign of prostate cancer.

incision

There are two main surgical methods used for removing the prostate gland. The first method is called the "perineal" method. An incision is made in the perineum, which is the area between the base of the scrotum and the anus.

The second surgical method of prostatectomy is called the "suprapubic" approach. An incision is made in the abdomen, just below the umbilicus, which extends downward to the pubic bone.

normal procedure

The suprapubic approach allows for removal of the lymph nodes and the ability to perform a nerve sparing modification that might prevent impotence post surgery.

aftercare

Patients with prostate cancer might require radiation therapy after their surgery. Results depend on the extent of their disease, and the response of the tumor to resection (removal) and radiotherapy.