Surgical Information
精索靜脈曲張切除術 (Varicocelectomy)
A varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat a varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to a varicose vein in the leg. Varicoceles most commonly occur on the left side and are a leading cause of male infertility, as the enlarged veins can increase the temperature of the testicles, impairing sperm production and quality. They can also cause chronic scrotal pain or testicular atrophy (shrinking). The goal of a varicocelectomy is to tie off or clip the abnormal veins, redirecting blood flow to normal, healthy veins. This procedure can relieve pain, halt testicular atrophy, and significantly improve semen parameters, thereby enhancing fertility.
腎臟切除術 (Nephrectomy)
A nephrectomy is a major surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of a kidney. Kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine. There are two main types of nephrectomy: a partial nephrectomy removes only the diseased or damaged portion of a kidney, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, while a radical (or total) nephrectomy removes the entire kidney, along with the attached section of the ureter, the surrounding fat, and sometimes the adrenal gland. This surgery is most commonly performed to treat kidney cancer or to remove a severely damaged, non-functioning kidney resulting from infection, disease, or trauma. It is also the procedure used to harvest a healthy kidney from a living donor for transplantation.
膀胱鏡檢查 / 手術 (Cystoscopy)
A cystoscopy is a diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine the lining of the bladder and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). It is performed using a cystoscope, a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens or small camera at the end. Doctors often recommend a cystoscopy to investigate causes of urinary problems, such as blood in the urine, frequent urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, or pelvic pain. It is also used to diagnose bladder cancer, urinary blockages, or an enlarged prostate. In addition to diagnosis, a cystoscopy can be used to perform small surgical procedures, such as removing tiny bladder tumors, crushing and removing small stones, or taking a tissue sample (biopsy).
體外衝擊波碎石術 (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL))
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive medical procedure used to treat kidney stones and, less commonly, stones in the gallbladder or liver. The term "extracorporeal" means "outside the body." The procedure uses high-energy shock waves generated by a machine called a lithotripter to break down solid stones into tiny, sand-like pieces. These smaller fragments can then pass more easily through the urinary tract and out of the body in the urine. ESWL is highly favored for treating small to medium-sized kidney stones because it does not require any surgical incisions, resulting in a faster recovery time and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.
前列腺切除術 (Prostatectomy)
A prostatectomy is a major surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in men that produces seminal fluid, located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. This surgery is most frequently performed to treat localized prostate cancer, aiming to remove all cancerous tissue. It may also be used to treat severe cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate that causes significant urinary problems, though other less invasive procedures are often tried first. Prostatectomy can be a life-saving procedure for cancer patients, but it requires careful consideration due to potential impacts on urinary and sexual function.
輸精管結紮術 (Vasectomy)
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure designed for permanent male birth control. It involves cutting, tying, or sealing the vasa deferentia—the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. By interrupting this pathway, sperm can no longer mix with semen, meaning that ejaculated fluid will not contain sperm, thereby preventing pregnancy. Vasectomy is considered one of the most effective forms of contraception, with a success rate of over 99%. It is a safe, outpatient procedure that does not affect a man's sexual drive, ability to have an erection, or the sensation of orgasm.
包皮環切術 (割包皮) (Circumcision)
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head (glans) of the penis. While commonly performed on newborns for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, it can also be performed on older children and adults for medical reasons. Medical indications include phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin), paraphimosis (foreskin trapped behind the glans), recurrent balanitis (infection of the glans and foreskin), or to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections and penile cancer. The procedure is generally safe and straightforward, with most patients recovering quickly and experiencing minimal long-term issues.