FAQ’s

Frequenty Asked Questions

Is special training required to robotic surgery?

Yes. Dr .K. Ramesh, was trained and certified as robotic surgeon at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, United states. The learning curve for robotic surgery is reduced for person who has done both open and laparoscopic surgery in past.Dr K. Ramesh has done many as 80 cases of laparoscopic urology procedures in Apollo hospitals, Chennai in the past with good results and without any complications. As for now (Nov 2013) Dr.K Ramesh has performed more the 50 robotic surgeries in Apollo hospitals, Chennai and he has been commended for his performance by Dr .P C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospital group.

Laparoscopic surgery

What is the advantage of laparoscopic surgery?
1. Less painful
2. Early discharge from hospital within 24 to 48 hours (open surgery 5 to 6 days)
3. Small scars
4. Return to normal activity in 1 week (open surgery 4 to 6 weeks)
Can be done for kidney cancers?
Yes. It is useful for small cancers less than 4 cm and non-function kidney.
Will the cost be more than the open surgery?
It will be more but you will save on hospital stay and return to work early.

Kidney Stones

Can kidney stone recur?
Yes, there is 10% chance in 5 years time.
How to avoid stone recurrence?
Adequate fluid intake and change in diet will reduce the chance of another stone.
Should I have to avoid certain foodstuffs?
You do not need to avoid anything completely. Please check website for diet that that need to be modified.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

Is laser treatment indicated for all prostate surgery?
No, it is indicated only for very large prostate, people taking anti coagulant and high risk patients. It is very expensive and studies are ongoing. Still the gold standard is TURP.
How long should I take medicine for BPH (Benign Prostatic hyperplasia)?
Prostate gland continues to increase in size until the age of 70, so it is advisable to continue taking the tablet until you are symptomatic.
Can I develop prostate cancer after TURP (Transurethral resection of prostate)?
Yes, TURP involves only removing of prostate tissue that is obstructing the urine passage. After TURP there is thin rim of prostate tissue from which prostate cancer can occur.
Can BPH recur?
Yes. It depends on age of the patient and genetic risk.
Will TURP (Transurethral Resection Prostate) affect sexual function?
Risk of erectile dysfunction is very minimal and it may be temporary but you will have retrograde ejaculation.
What is retrograde ejaculation?
During orgasm seminal fluid will not come out instead it goes to bladder and you pass it out when you pass urine next time but you have normal sexual function and pleasure in other words it is called dry ejaculation.

Vasectomy

Does vasectomy increase risk of prostate cancer?
No, vasectomy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Will vasectomy affect sexual function?
No, vasectomy do not affect sexual function, you can have normal sexual activity and pleasure after vasectomy.

Circumcision

Will circumcision affect sexual function?
No. Surgery involves only removal of foreskin.
Will circumcision help premature ejaculation?
No.

Varicocele Surgery

What is the indication for surgery?
Testicular pain, infertility and abnormal semen parameter.
Can it recur?
Yes it can recur.
How does the surgery help?
Surgery only help to improve semen parameter but that does not translate to paternal rate.
How useful is the surgery?
According to literature it does improve semen parameter but not 100 percent.

Stricture urethra

What is stricture urethra?
It is obstruction due to narrowing in the urine pipe.
Will it recur?
Yes, but can be avoided by regular self catheterization.
Is self catheterization need to be sterile?
No, but it has to be clean.
Can it predispose to infection?
Yes, but risk is less if done properly.