Introduction
Welcome to the Urology Department at Samaritan. Our team of experienced urologists is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for all urological conditions. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options to help our patients achieve optimal outcomes.
Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders and diseases of the urinary tract system in both men and women, as well as male reproductive system disorders. The urinary tract system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, which are responsible for producing, storing, and eliminating urine from the body.
Our urology services include the management of prostate disorders, bladder problems, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and male infertility. We also offer minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic surgery, to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.
At Samaritan, we understand that urological conditions can be uncomfortable and sensitive, and we strive to provide a compassionate and comfortable environment for our patients. We prioritize patient education and communication to ensure that our patients are informed and involved in their care plan.
If you need urological care, please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced urologists. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care with the most advanced technologies to help our patients achieve optimal urological health.
Common urological conditions that our team at Samaritan specializes in treating include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Urinary incontinence
- Bladder problems
- Prostate disorders
- Male infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Kidney and bladder cancer
Adrenal Tumors:
An adrenal tumor is an abnormal growth on one or both adrenal glands. These relatively rare tumors are most often benign (noncancerous), but they can also be malignant (cancerous).
While many adrenal tumors don't cause symptoms, some release excess hormones that may lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, facial flushing, weight gain, headaches and palpitations.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):
Treatment for BPH, which involves different approaches to increasing urinary flow, is usually only necessary if your symptoms are bothersome. You’ll want to make an appointment with a Samaritan expert to learn more about your treatment options. These may include:
Monitoring:
For patients with minimal symptoms, this strategy includes regular checkups and testing to monitor the condition. Treatment only begins when the condition progresses.
Medications:
A variety of drug treatments work to relieve symptoms by either shrinking the prostate or by relaxing the prostate muscle.
Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL):
Minimally invasive treatment option that can open the urethra with permanent implants.
Transurethral prostatectomy (TURP):
The gold standard for treating BPH, this procedure requires no incision. Instead, part of the prostate is removed through the penis.
Simple prostatectomy:
During this procedure, the surgeon removes the inner portion of the prostate.
At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the various bladder cancer treatment options, which will depend on the stage and grade of your tumor, and whether the cancer has invaded the wall of the bladder or spread to other organs.
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer:
Options may include tumor cauterization or resection, or chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs placed directly into the bladder through a catheter.
Muscle invasive bladder cancer:
Advanced bladder cancer often requires some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and even immunotherapy. If bladder removal is necessary, bladder reconstruction surgery will also be required.
Bladder Dysfunction:
Bladder dysfunction can be congenital (present since birth), or can be caused by a long-standing obstruction, prior surgery, neurogenic bladder or radiation therapy in the pelvis. Severe bladder dysfunction can lead to debilitating consequences, such as kidney injury, chronic urinary retention or leakage, recurrent severe urinary tract infections, catheter dependence and the need for dialysis. To regain control of urinary drainage, bladder reconstruction or urinary diversion via other means may be necessary.
Erectile Dysfunction: (also known as impotence) refers to the inability to obtain or maintain an erection that is firm enough or lasts long enough to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. It affects almost all men at one time or another in their lives and can be caused by various disorders, hormonal problems, injuries, medications or psychological conditions. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction may be a side effect of prostate cancer treatment.
Genital Cancers:
Cancers of the penis, scrotum and urethra (also known as genital cancers) can have a serious impact on urinary and sexual function, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Symptoms of penile and scrotal cancers may include skin growths, changes to the color and texture of the skin, and abnormal discharge or bleeding. Urethral cancer does not always cause symptoms in early stages, but later it can cause urinary pain or difficulty, bleeding or a visible growth.
Genital Reconstruction:
Conditions that obstruct or conceal the penis can be devastating to self-confidence, carry health risks, and negatively impact urination and sexual functioning. Progressive skin conditions in the genital region may lead to continued drainage, massive swelling, bleeding or pain, and can require surgery for correction.
Kidney and Bladder Stones:
Kidney and bladder stones are hard objects in the urinary tract made up of millions of tiny crystals. Kidney stones, which are much more common than bladder stones, can form when the body’s system for filtering urine becomes too concentrated. Bladder stones can form as a result of a urinary tract infection, a problem with the prostate, or in association with certain types of reconstructive surgery on the urinary tract.
Kidney Cancer:
Treatment for kidney cancer can vary widely depending on the tumor’s stage and whether the cancer has spread to other organs. Small tumors may not need immediate surgery, while cancer that has spread will require a complex and multidisciplinary approach.
Kidney Cysts:
Kidney cysts are fluid-filled structures that grow on or in the kidneys, are generally benign and do not require treatment. In general, kidney cysts do not cause symptoms such as pain or difficulty passing urine. Occasionally, some cysts have characteristics of cancer and surgery may be recommended. Polycistic kidney disease is a separate condition marked by the growth of multiple kidney cysts that gradually grow bigger, and is treated by the Division of Nephrology.
Kidney Donation:
Donation of kidney is also a social help. We perform that surgery at our facility.
Male Infertility:
Male infertility is a factor in more than half of infertile couples’ inability to conceive. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, you should seek a fertility evaluation. Additionally, if you have had a vasectomy and wish to have more children, we also offer vasectomy reversals.
Neurology:
Urinary Incontinence and voiding dysfunction are sometimes caused when nerve damage interferes with the complex series of interactions between the brain, nervous system and pelvic organs.
Also called neurogenic bladder, this can result from spinal injuries, neurological disorders and congenital malformations. Neurogenic bladder requires treatment from urologists who specialize in neurourology.
Pediatric and Transitional Urology:
At Samaritan, a specialized team of pediatric physicians and nurses provides treatment for patients pre-birth through early adulthood. We manage a full range of urological conditions, from common bedwetting issues to severe congenital disorders. Our experts draw upon innovative research and pioneering technology to ensure all children receive the best possible care.
Pelvic Prolapse:
When the pelvic floor muscles weaken and stretch, pelvic (uterine) prolapse can occur. This is when pelvic organs slip out of place and create a bulging sensation or actual protrusion into the vagina.
Peyronie's Disease:
Peyronie (pay-roe-NEE) disease is a condition in which fibrous scar tissue forms in the deeper tissues under the skin of the penis. This causes curved, painful erections. It also can make the penis shorter while erect. Peyronie disease is not caused by cancer.
Peyronie's disease is caused by repeated penile injury, typically during sex or physical activity. Penises vary in shape and size and having a curved erection isn't necessarily a cause for concern. In Peyronie's disease, the bend is significant, and may occur along with pain or interfere with sexual function. Medication or surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist or worsen.
Prostate Cancer:
Prostate Cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the prostate, a gland found only in men. The prostate’s function is to create some of the fluid that insulates sperm cells found in semen. In the United States, prostate cancer is among the most common cancers found in men.
No two cases of prostate cancer are alike and an accurate diagnosis is critical to developing the best treatment plan. Urologists at Samaritan, can make the difficult process of deciding on a treatment plan easier. With world-renowned expertise, multidisciplinary specialists and the latest data, we partner with you to make informed decisions about managing your prostate cancer.
Prosthetic Urology:
Prosthetics are excellent options for patients with Erectile Dysfunction or Urinary Leakage that has not responded to medical management. Such devices have been implanted for decades, and patients report extremely high satisfaction with use.
- We recognize that restoring normal bodily function is just as important as treating the disease itself.
- The unique nature of reconstructive surgery requires nuance and finesse. We take a personalized approach to every step of your evaluation and treatment, carefully considering how every decision will impact your current and future quality of life.
Reconstructive Urology:
Genital and pelvic reconstruction aims to restore normal anatomy and function of the genitourinary tract. The function or appearance of these areas can sometimes be affected by certain treatments or diseases, such as cancer.
Testicular Cancer:
Testicular cancer develops due to abnormal cell growth in the testicle. It is highly curable when it first develops, but can quickly spread if not treated promptly. To increase your odds of a full recovery, it’s important to recognize the signs of testicular cancer and perform a monthly self-exam.
Ureter Obstruction:
Obstruction of the ureter (a long tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) may interfere with or block the flow of urine, harming kidney function and causing pain. This tube can be damaged by surgery, or blocked by scar tissue, a blood vessel or, rarely, a tumor.
Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction:
This occurs when the area where the ureter and kidney meet becomes blocked by scar tissue, kinking, a blood vessel or, more rarely, a tumor. This can harm kidney function and lead to flank pain on the affected side, especially after drinking alcohol, coffee or other fluids.
UPJ obstruction can be congenital (present from birth), but some people develop it over time or after experiencing kidney stones, surgery or trauma.
Urethral Obstruction:
Conditions that cause significant damage to the urethra may lead to urinary strictures or obstructions. As a result, a person may experience a variety of symptoms, including weak stream, urgency to urinate, leakage of urine, retention of urine and painful urination. In severe cases, rectourethral fistulas can develop due to trauma, surgery or radiation.
Urinary Incontinence:
Urinary Incontinence is involuntary leakage from the bladder that can occur when something goes wrong with the complex interactions among the brain, nervous system and pelvic organs. There are many causes of incontinence, many of which are treatable with nonsurgical and surgical therapies.
Our team of experienced urologists at Samaritan offers a range of diagnostic and treatment options to help patients manage and overcome their urological conditions. We use the latest technology and techniques to provide personalized and effective care, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, that can minimize recovery time and improve outcomes.
Our vision is to provide comprehensive and compassionate urological care to our patients, focusing on their individual needs and concerns. We believe that open communication and patient education are essential to providing effective and successful urological care, and we work closely with our patients to ensure that they are well-informed and involved in their treatment plan.
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