There are many urologic procedures that can be done right in the urologist’s office. There are many benefits because they don’t require a hospital stay, the anesthesia doesn’t last as long, and the procedure is usually less invasive, which may be safer. The time it takes you to recover may also be faster. You can often go home within a few hours of your procedure.
Some of the basic procedures in the urology office are:
Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets the urologist view the inside of the bladder and urethra. Before the procedure you will empty your bladder. Then you will be placed on an exam table. A liquid or gel local anesthetic may be used in your urethra. The average cystoscopy takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The cystoscope is a thin, lighted tube with a lens. Most often it is bendable, but some models are rigid. Water or saline is infused through the cystoscope into the bladder. As the fluid fills the bladder, the bladder wall is stretched so the urologist can see clearly. If any tissue appears abnormal, the cystoscope can be used to remove a small sample.
Prostate Biopsy is a test for prostate cancer that involves taking out tissue samples from the prostate with a needle. A prostate biopsy may be done in many ways:
- Transrectal method is done through the rectum and is the most common.
- Perineal method is done through the skin between the scrotum and the rectum.
- Transurethral method is done through the urethra using a cystoscope.
Ultrasound is often used to look at the prostate gland and guide the biopsy needle.
Urodynamic tests help doctors learn the function of your bladder and urethra (the tube that passes urine from your bladder). They are often done to see if a patient has urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control). During the tests, your bladder is filled and then emptied while pressure readings are taken from your bladder and your abdomen. Urodynamic testing can check how fast the urine leaves the body, how much urine remains in the bladder after passing urine and how much pressure there is in the bladder.
Vasectomy is a minor surgery to block sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. Semen still exists, but it has no sperm in it. A vasectomy prevents pregnancy better than any other form of birth control, except abstinence. Vasectomies are often done in your urologist’s office, but they may also be done at a surgery center or hospital. Most men fully heal in less than a week and many can return to having sex within a week after surgery.