DIAGNOSIS TERMS
Incontinence
Is the loss of bladder control or leaking of urine. This problem can be distressing and embarrassing. Most leakage of urine is due to the bladder muscle is too weak or overactive. Treatment depends on the type of problem you have and what best fits your lifestyle. It may include simple exercise, medicines, special devices or procedures prescribed by your doctor, or surgery.
Prostate Cancer
is cancer of the small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces seminal fluid which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, affecting about one in six men in the United States. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be scary not only because it can be life-threatening, but also because treatments can cause side effects such as bladder control problems and erectile dysfunction (impotence). But diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer have gotten much better in recent years. Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer may include trouble urinating or a slow urinary stream. These symptoms are also associated with benign prostate disease. A digital rectal exam and PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test are used to evaluate for prostate cancer. Ultrasound and biopsy is necessary to diagnose prostate cancer. There are several risk factors for prostate cancer including age, race, family history, diet and testosterone levels. Once diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are several treatment options including surgery, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and watching waiting. Your physician will discuss with you and your family each of these option in detail, assisting you with making a decision on the best choice for your situation. If surgery is selected, we are able to perform a robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy. This is a relatively new procedure that reduces the length of hospital stay and minimizes bleeding.
Urinary tract infections
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have a UTI if you notice
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Frequency or urgency to urinate
- Pressure in your lower abdomen
- Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish
The physician will test your urine culture to determine whether you have an infection. Treatment with medication will improve symptoms within a couple of days. Recurrent or persistent infections may require additional testing to evaluate the cause of the infection.
Kidney and ureteral stones
These stones are small, hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. When urine is concentrated, minerals crystallize and stick together forming a kidney stone. Passing a kidney stone can be very painful. The pain most often starts in your back or side, near your ribs. It may radiate to lower abdomen or groin. A physician can confirm the size and location of a stone with a simple x-ray or CT scan. Depending on the size and location of the stone, it may be spontaneously passed or require removal. Many stones don't require surgical intervention. Pain medication is often used to aid in comfort when dealing with stones. If surgery is required, there are many options that may be performed at the outpatient department of Mercy Hospital or the Iowa City Ambulatory Surgery Center. Once the stone is retrieved, it should be analyzed to determine what is consist of. This gives the physician information about how to prevent stones for you in the future.
Bladder, Kidney and testicular cancers
Enlarged Prostate
BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy is the term used to describe non-malignant growth of the prostate. This condition may block the flow of urine from the bladder. Cutting edge medical and surgical techniques are offered.
Male Infertility
Sexual Dysfunction
Urodynamic Testing
Vasectomy
This surgical procedure is performed on a man to make him sterile.
This is a relatively minor operation, performed in our office with local anesthetic.
We encourage the patient and their significant other to attend a brief consultation with the doctor prior to the procedure
to discuss potential risks and benefits. The procedure will be explained and aftercare is discussed.
The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes.
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