Endoscopic surgery methods are increasingly being used to treat urinary tract diseases, because of their superior advantages over traditional open surgery. To enhance expertise and knowledge in endoscopic urology surgery, Vinmec sent the doctors to participate in an advanced endoscopic urology surgery training program at Pusan University, South Korea.
The course took place from May 27, 2019, to July 20, 2019, at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, organized by Medical Korea Academy Global.
Doctors participating in the training:
Master, Doctor Hoang Tho - Urology Surgeon, General Surgery Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Training instructor:
Professor Park Sung Woo, Head of the Urology Department - Yangsan Hospital, Pusan University, South Korea.
Training format: Theoretical and practical training.
Training content:
1. Endoscopic technique for prostate adenoma resection using laser (Holep)
In recent decades, various laser devices have been introduced to overcome the shortcomings of standard endoscopic resection, and laser technology has proven highly effective for prostate adenoma enucleation. Among these, Holmium laser (HoLEP: Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate) is widely used due to its low complication rate, short hospital stay, and ability to treat large prostate tumors. In HoLEP, we use Holmium laser energy to enucleate the prostate tissue, and after the enucleation, a morcellator is needed to shred and remove the tissue.
Currently, Yangsan Hospital applies the Holmium laser prostate enucleation method for all patients with benign prostate enlargement.
2. Robot-assisted endoscopic prostatectomy for prostate cancer
At Yangsan Hospital, an average of two prostate cancer surgeries are performed using a robot each day, with two operating days per week.
This is a difficult, complex procedure, and these robot-assisted surgeries make up 90% of the surgeries performed at Yangsan Hospital.
Professor Park Sung Woo is a highly experienced surgeon who excels in this technique, with few complications post-surgery, an average surgery time of 3 hours, minimal bleeding, and a hospital stay of approximately 7 days.
Dr. Hoang Tho attended all prostate cancer surgeries assisted by robots during his training at Yangsan Hospital. Dr. Tho received guidance from Professor Park Sung Woo on diagnosis, patient selection criteria, prostate biopsy procedures, how to interpret prostate cancer MRI scans, as well as postoperative care for patients.
3. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) technique
Yangsan Hospital uses a kidney dilation system by Bard W-Rorcec. This kit includes balloon catheters, tunnel dilation instruments, and a balloon catheter placed from the ureter to the renal pelvis. These instruments can be reused, are cheaper, and are safer than single-use kidney dilation kits, which can cause bleeding complications during dilation. This is a practice to be learned.
4. Urology Clinic
The urology clinic is equipped with a flexible cystoscope, a wide-screen cystoscope system, and a set of imaging and recording equipment, helping doctors diagnose and treat conveniently.
Endoscopic techniques for cystoscopy, biopsy, and JJ stent removal are performed right at the clinic.
Plans for the next 6 months:
- Implement endoscopic prostate adenoma resection using the laser.
- Implement robot-assisted prostatectomy.
Practical application:
- Successfully implemented Holmium laser endoscopic prostate adenoma resection.
- Plans for robot-assisted prostatectomy after October 29, 2019.
