Urology
Laparoscopy: Urology
Urology is a surgical subspecialty that treats diseases involving the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Since the 1890s urologists have pioneered the use of minimally invasive surgery, and now in the 21st century, continue at the forefront of innovation and application of these techniques. Advanced endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques allow excellent results with less pain, less risk, and more rapid recovery.
Here at Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, the Urology department is a regional center for the treatment of kidney stones using the latest methods. A free-standing shock wave lithotripter is available to pulverize suitable stones. Thin, flexible telescopes allow access inside the bladder, ureters and kidneys to treat or diagnose a variety of problems with lasers or ultrasonic devices. And now, the rare stone that previously needed large painful incisions can be dealt with minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Laparoscopic approaches for kidney, bladder, prostate and testicular cancer have the same excellent results as open surgery without the downsides. Reconstruction of birth defects involving the urinary tract are also commonly treated here at Kaiser Oakland Medical Center with laparoscopic techniques, both in children and adults.
Hundreds of laparoscopic surgeries have been done by the Urology Department surgeons over the last 10 years in both children and adults. All physicians of the department do minimally invasive surgery and some have developed special interest and expertise in specific problems such as pediatric problems, stone disease and cancer treatment. The Urologists also work very closely with the other surgical specialists to treat surgical problems that affect multiple organ systems and very often are done simultaneously to minimize the impact on the patient.
The Oakland Kaiser urologists are proud to be a part of the medical center’s minimally invasive surgery team and to be a referral center for all of Northern California Kaiser Health Plan Members. We offer these services:
- Bladder Cancer Surgery
- BPH Surgery – Greenlight Laser, TURP and Open Prostatectomy
- Kidney Stone Surgery – Ureteroscopic and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
- Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Procedures
- Northern California Regional Shock Wave Lithotripsy Center
- Pediatric Urology Surgery Regional Center
- Prostate Cancer Surgery – Perineal and Retropubic Prostatectomy
- Urodynamic Testing
- Spina Bifida/Neuro-urology Care