Urology: Services Offered
Genitourinary Cancers (Cancers of the Urinary Tract)
We strive to balance the desire to maintain normal urinary and sexual function with the need to remove cancerous tissue. Our team of specialists includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and specialized nurses. Clinical trials are available for interested patients.
Prostate Cancer
Our surgeons offer the entire range of treatment options including laparoscopic, robotic assisted laparoscopic, open, brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implantation), and cryo therapy (tumor freezing methods). Treatment is custom tailored to meet the individual patient's criteria and needs.
We are experts in nerve-sparing surgical techniques that enable men to regain erectile function after surgery for prostate cancer.
Neobladder
We offer innovative reconstructive surgery to restore normal urinary function after surgical removal of a cancerous bladder. University of Chicago surgeons can create a "neobladder" from intestine. Our urologists have been leaders in fine-tuning this reconstructive approach as an alternative to the external ostomy bag.
Pelvic Floor Defects
Our surgeons are skilled at many different techniques in reconstructive surgery for defects of the female pelvic floor. Because they have a wide range of solutions to choose from, our physicians can use the method that is most appropriate for the individual patient.
Urinary Tract
The University of Chicago Hospitals offers reconstructive surgery for the upper and lower urinary tract.
Kidney Stones
We are experts in multidisciplinary treatment of kidney stones, with a focus on minimally invasive destruction of current stones and prevention of future stone formation.
Urinary Incontinence
Our surgeons are leaders in interventions for urinary incontinence in both women and men, including surgical and non-surgical approaches. Depending on the cause and type of incontinence, treatment may include:
- Artificial urinary sphincters for men after cancer surgery
- Biofeedback
- Collagen injections
- Medication
- Pubovaginal sling surgery for women
- Surgical repair for urethral stricture disease
- Urethral reconstructions
Urogynecology
Our urogynecology program combines the expertise of University of Chicago urologists and gynecologists to treat urinary disorders in women. Urogynecology includes surgical and nonsurgical treatments for urinary incontinence, pelvic floor relaxation, pelvic prolapse, voiding dysfunctions, pelvic pain, and other urinary disorders that affect women. Our comprehensive program includes urodynamic and videourodynamic studies--a sophisticated way to evaluate bladder function. Based on these tests, we carefully tailor treatment for urinary problems to each patient's needs.
Pediatric Urology
Our pediatric urology service offers the latest techniques for diagnosis and treatment of childhood urological disorders. Whenever possible, procedures are done with minimally invasive techniques, including state-of-the-art robot-assisted urological surgery.
