# General Urology **Table of Contents** **Table of Contents** [About This Service](#section-overview "About This Service") [Types of General Urology Treatments Offered](#section-14636 "Types of General Urology Treatments Offered") ## About This Service General urology encompasses a wide range of services focused on the health of the urinary system and, in men, the reproductive organs. Urologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and male reproductive organs, using both medical and procedural approaches. At The Center, we are pleased to expand our services to include urology, recognizing the important role urinary and reproductive health play in overall well-being. Adding urology to our service lines allows us to broaden the care and support we offer to our patients and the communities we serve. Care within general urology often begins with evaluation of symptoms such as urinary changes, pain, infections, or concerns related to bladder or prostate health. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include lifestyle guidance, medication, diagnostic testing, or minimally invasive procedures. General urology care is provided with a focus on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long term management. ## Types of General Urology Treatments Offered General urology addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system, from urinary symptoms and kidney stones to diagnostic testing and minimally invasive procedures. Care is tailored to each patient's needs and may include medical management, office based procedures, advanced imaging, or surgery. The options below highlight services commonly offered within general urologic care: ##### Aquablation Therapy Aquablation therapy is an advanced treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition caused by an enlarged prostate that can interfere with normal urine flow. Common symptoms of BPH include weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying. This treatment uses a combination of real time imaging and robotic technology to guide a high velocity water jet that precisely removed obstructing prostate tissue. ##### Cystoscopy Cystoscopy is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, flexible instrument called a cystoscope. This tool includes a small camera and light, allowing physicians to directly view the urinary tract and identify abnormalities that may not be visible through imagine alone. Cystoscopy may be recommended for patients experiencing symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating, or unexplained urinary changes. ##### Endoscopic Stone Surgery Endoscopic stone surgery is a minimally invasive approach used to treat kidney and urinary stones that are causing symptoms or are unlikely to pass on their own. This method allows physicians to access and treat stones using specialized endoscopic instruments, avoiding traditional open surgery. Endoscopic techniques may be recommended based on factors such as stone size, location, composition, and prior treatment history. ##### ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy) ESWL, or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, is a noninvasive procedure used to treat certain kidney stones. It works by delivering focused shock waves from outside the body to break stones into smaller fragments that can pass through the urinary tract more easily. This treatment may be recommended for patients with stones of a specific size and location who do not require surgical removal. ##### Genitourinary Oncology Genitourinary oncology is a specialized area of cancer care dedicated to treating cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. This includes cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidney, testicles, and other related structures. Care is centered on providing accurate of diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and comprehensive cancer management. ##### iTIND (Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device) The iTIND device is a minimally invasive option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which an enlarged prostate restricts urine flow and causes symptoms such as weak stream, urgency, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Unlike treatments that permanently remove prostate tissue or require long term implants, iTIND works by temporarily reshaping the prostate to improve urine flow. The device is placed for a short period of time and then removed once treatment is complete. ##### Metabolic Evaluation for Stone Disease A metabolic evaluation for stone disease is a diagnostic process used to better understand why kidney stones form. Rather than focusing only on treating an existing stone, this evaluation looks for metabolic or dietary factors that may increase the risk of stone recurrence. This evaluation is often recommended for patients who have had multiple kidney stone, stones at a young age, or stones that are difficult to manage. ##### Penile Implant/Prosthetic Our physicians perform penile implant surgery with a "no touch" approach. The no touch technique is a method used to reduce the risk of infection by minimizing or eliminating contact between the implant and the patient's skin. Surgical techniques include: Peno-scrotal approach: Your surgeon will make an incision underneath the penis to place the three-pieces of the prosthesis. ##### Stone Procedures Stone procedures are used to treat kidney and urinary stones that cannot pass on their own or are causing pain, infection, or obstruction. The goal of these procedures is to safely remove stones, relieve symptoms, and restore normal urinary function while minimizing recovery time. A variety of treatment options are available, and the most appropriate approach depends on factors such as stone size, location, composition, and the patient's overall health. ##### Surgical Treatment for Male Infertility Surgical options for male infertility are available to correct anatomical obstructions, manage conditions that cause problems with sperm production, and repair structural issues impeding fertility. Common minimally invasive procedures include: Microscopic Varicocelectomy: A surgical procedure that repairs varicoceles (enlarged scrotal veins). Varicoceles can affect sperm production, sperm quality, and sometimes cause testicular pain or infertility. ##### TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) TURP, or transurethral resection of the prostate, is a long-established surgical procedure used to treat urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra and restrict urine flow, leading to symptoms such as weak stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying. TURP is often recommended for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms, particularly when medication or minimally invasive treatments have not provided sufficient relief. ##### UroLift® The UroLift® System is a minimally invasive treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. BPH can cause urinary symptoms such as weak urine flow, frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Unlike traditional surgical treatments, the UroLift® System works by lifting and holding the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. ##### Urologic Oncology Urologic oncology is a specialized area of urology dedicated to the care of patients with cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. This includes cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidney, testicles, and related structures. Urologic oncologists combine expertise in cancer care with advanced surgical and minimally invasive techniques to treat these conditions. ##### Vasectomy There are several birth control options available for men, but if you are certain you do not want to father children in the future, a vasectomy is a safe and highly effective solution. During a vasectomy the small tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm are cut and sealed. Your body will continue to make sperm but will not mix with your semen. ##### Vasectomy Reversal A vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) is a surgery to undo a vasectomy, which allows the sperm to pass into your semen again. It is an outpatient surgery performed by a microsurgeon who specializes in this procedure. Vasectomy reversal has about a 65 to 90% success rate for returning sperm to your semen. ##### Xiaflex Injections In addition to urethroplasty for stricture disease, ureteral reconstructive surgery is available for patients who experience ureteral injuries as well as those with congenital conditions. Types of ureteral reconstructive surgeries include: Boari flap and Psoas hitch for ureteral injuries that are close to the bladder. For a Boari flap, a flap is created out of the bladder to substitute the segment missing in the ureter. ##### Neuromodulation Neuromodulation is the alteration of nerve activity. Neuromodulation therapy is a treatment that uses electrical stimulation or pharmaceuticals (less common) to target nerves, helping patients who have movement disorders, bladder dysfunction, or chronic pain to manage their symptoms. Implants can be either invasive or non-invasive depending on the condition and treatment. ##### Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a non-surgical and non-drug neuromodulation therapy used for both men and women to treat the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). It is an effective treatment option when other OAB therapies have failed. PTNS involves using a thin acupuncture-like needle, which is connected to a small device that delivers gentle electrical impulses. ##### Sacral Neuromodulation Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a therapy that stimulates the sacral nerves (the nerves that control your bladder and bowels) with mild electrical pulses to modulate the signals with the brain. It is a safe and effective option for patients who have not had success with behavioral modifications and/or medications for overactive bladder. SNM uses a small neurotransmitter device similar to a pacemaker. ##### Diagnostic Procedures Diagnostic testing plays a critical role in identifying urologic conditions and developing personalized care plans. These services help providers better understand symptoms, evaluate organ function, and detect disease at its earliest and most treatable stages. A wide range of diagnostic tools may be used depending on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and clinical findings. ##### Urodynamics Urodynamics is a group of diagnostic tests used to evaluate how the bladder and urethra store and release urine. These tests help physicians better understand the cause of urinary symptoms such as leakage, frequent urination, urgency, difficulty emptying the bladder, or weak urine flow by assessing how the urinary system functions under different conditions. Urodynamic testing may include a range of approaches depending on a patient’s symptoms and clinical needs, which provides detailed information that cannot be obtained through imaging or physical exams alone. ##### Pediatric Urology Pediatric urology is a specialized area of urology dedicated to caring for children with conditions affecting the urinary tract and, in boys, the reproductive system. These conditions may be present at birth, develop during childhood, or emerge as a child grows. Pediatric urologists are trained to evaluate and treat these issues using approaches designed specifically for young patients. ##### Artificial Urinary Sphincter Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is a surgical option for men who have tried other therapies for stress incontinence that were unsuccessful and do not have a neurologic condition affecting bladder function or a bladder infection. The artificial urinary sphincter is a device equipped with an inflatable cuff that fits around the urethra, replacing the natural sphincter that has been compromised. To keep urine from leaking, the cuff inflates automatically to keep the urethra closed, and the patient activates the pump to deflate the cuff allowing him to urinate. ##### Fistula Repair While some small, early fistulas can be treated with a catheter, most will require surgical repair. There are several surgical options with high success rates to fix a vaginal or urinary fistula. Vaginal fistula repair fixes the abnormal opening or connection between the vagina and another organ such as the bladder (vesicovaginal), bowel (rectovaginal), or ureter (ureterovaginal). ##### Male and Female Sling Procedures Sling procedures are a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat mild or moderate urinary incontinence. For men, this treatment is often needed to resolve leakage after prostate surgery and for women, the procedure is to provide vaginal support for stress urinary incontinence. Surgery is usually outpatient and done under general or spinal anesthesia.