Urology is a surgical specialty at its core. Because the urinary tract is essentially a series of “pipes and tanks,” many urological surgeries are minimally invasive, using cameras (endoscopy) or small incisions (laparoscopy and robotics) to fix issues from the inside out.

Here is a breakdown of common urology surgeries categorized by the type of procedure and the condition treated.

1. Endoscopic Surgery (No Incisions)

These surgeries are performed through the body’s natural opening (the urethra). They involve no external cuts and typically have very fast recovery times.

• TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): The “gold standard” for an enlarged prostate (BPH). A surgeon trims away excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.

• Cystoscopy & TURBT: A camera is used to look inside the bladder; if a tumor is found, it can be removed (Resection of Bladder Tumor) during the same session.

• Ureteroscopy: Used to treat kidney stones. A thin scope travels up to the ureter or kidney to break stones into dust using a laser.

2. Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery

Urology was a pioneer in robotic surgery (using the da Vinci system). These procedures use 3–5 tiny “keyhole” incisions.

• Robotic Prostatectomy: Removal of the prostate, usually for cancer. The robot allows for extreme precision, helping to preserve the nerves responsible for bladder control and sexual function.

• Partial or Radical Nephrectomy: Removal of either a small tumor (partial) or the entire kidney (radical).

• Pyeloplasty: Reconstruction of the area where the kidney meets the ureter to fix a blockage.

• Robotic Cystectomy: Removal of the bladder (usually for advanced cancer), often followed by the creation of a “neobladder” from a piece of the intestine.

3. Stone-Specific Surgeries

• Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses high-energy shock waves from outside the body to crush kidney stones into small pieces that can be passed in the urine.

• PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): For very large stones (over 2cm). A small incision is made in the back to create a direct tunnel into the kidney to remove the stone.

4. Men’s Health & Reconstructive Surgeries

• Vasectomy: A quick, 15–20 minute outpatient procedure to provide permanent birth control by sealing the vas deferens.

• Penile Implants: Surgical placement of a device inside the penis to treat severe erectile dysfunction when medications fail.

• Orchiopexy: Surgery to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum, common in pediatric urology.

• Urethroplasty: A complex reconstruction of the urethra to fix a “stricture” (narrowing/scarring) that blocks urine flow.

5. Female Urological Surgeries

• Sling Procedures: Used to treat stress urinary incontinence. A “sling” of mesh or tissue is placed under the urethra to support it and prevent leakage during coughing or sneezing.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair: Using robotic or vaginal approaches to lift and support the bladder or uterus.

Comparison of Approaches