St. Luke’s International Hospital

St. Luke’s International Hospital

Urology Department

Overview

We practice team medicine based on evidence and guidelines, and treatment methods are discussed by all surgeons in the department for all urological diseases. For radical prostatectomy, we aim for reduction in urinary incontinence and preservation of sexual functions, and also incorporate brachytherapy for prostate cancer. We also put effort in endoscopic surgeries, such as the laparoscopic surgery for kidney cancer. For urological benign diseases, laparoscopic surgeries for adrenal tumors and HoLEP surgeries for benign prostatic hypertrophy are conducted.

Since the surgical assistant robot ‘da Vinci’ was implemented in August 2011, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer has been conducted. Robot-assisted surgeries allow the surgeon to control a robot arm that moves freely under magnified 3D vision. In addition to the minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, this allows a more precise and accurate surgery. Currently in the United States, approximately 90% of all radical prostatectomy are conducted with robotic assistance. We are now preparing to start partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer. There are terms and conditions for patients who can receive robot-assisted surgeries.

Diseases and Expertise

We proactively provide treatment especially for the following diseases.

Prostate Cancer

Surgeries (radical prostatectomy), radiation treatment (external beam, brachytherapy; cooperative treatment with the Radiation Oncology department.) Approximately 100 cases of radical prostatectomy conducted annually.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Holmium-Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP.) Laparotomy will not be conducted even for a large hypertrophy.

Kidney Cancer

Partial nephrectomy and arthroscopic surgeries (laparoscopic surgeries/Robot-assisted surgeries) will be conducted to preserve kidney functions.

Adrenal Tumor

Laparoscopic surgeries for adrenal tumors such as Primary Aldosteronism and Pheochromocytoma

Bladder Construction Surgery

Surgery using the intestinal canal for patients who have removed their bladder for cancer

Tension-free Vaginal Mesh surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Trans-Obturator Tape for women with urinary incontinence

Urinary Tract Reconstruction

Urinary Tract Reconstruction for Radiation Bladder Disturbance


*The following examinations/treatments are not conducted*

・ Urinary Lithiasis (Nephrolith/Ureteral Lithiasis)

・ Male Infertility

Equipment

Cystoscopic examinations are almost always conducted with a flexible cystoscope (A soft videoscope like a gastroscope.)
From August 2011, surgery assistance robot 'da Vinci' has been implemented.