Urology, Lithotripsy, and Urology Oncology in Staten Island, NY
The Urology Services Center of Richmond University Medical Center serves individuals in the Staten Island, NY, area, treating urologic diseases and conditions that affect both male and female adult patients. Our center offers effective surgical methods, as well as less invasive treatments, for many conditions. Discover what urologic diseases the team can treat and when urology surgery is viable.
Urologic Conditions We Treat
Waste stored in the body can be harmful, therefore, the body naturally rids itself of it. The body’s urinary tract system handles this process, removing waste from the blood in the form of urine. Ensuring the health of the urinary tract system is important, as it helps to avoid other serious health problems.
Some conditions last only a short time, while others are long-lasting and require the care of a medical professional. The Urology Center of Excellence at Richmond University Medical Center offers treatment for a wide range of urologic conditions, such as:
Adrenal Mass
An adrenal mass is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) abnormal growth that develops in the adrenal gland. The body features two adrenal glands: one situated above each kidney. These glands produce hormones that contribute to keeping many of the body’s complex processes in balance.
Treatment for an adrenal mass is necessary only if it produces considerable symptoms. Surgery is a treatment option to remove the mass.
Kidney Diseases
The body’s kidneys filter waste and excess water out of the blood through urine. Additionally, the kidneys keep the body’s chemical balance, help control blood pressure, and make hormones. Kidney disease affects the kidney’s ability to filter blood, causing waste to build up in the body. Kidney diseases also can result in other concerns that can be harmful. Kidney disease often worsens over time and requires the attention of a urology expert.
Bladder Conditions
The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen. It stores urine before it leaves the body. Physicians typically diagnose conditions that affect the bladder through a variety of tests. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem and how severe the symptoms are. In extreme cases, surgery may be the best course of action.
Prostate Problems
Part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is a small gland found inside men. The prostate is the size and shape of a walnut and sits below the bladder. Age is the leading cause of prostate problems. The most common concerns regarding the prostate are inflammation, an enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer.
Treatment for prostate problems depends on the underlying issue. Surgery is an option when symptoms are severe and when other treatment options have not shown signs of improvement.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy Procedure
Richmond University Medical Center also specializes in nonsurgical methods to treat urologic diseases. Shock wave lithotripsy is a noninvasive treatment that uses an energy source to generate a shock wave directed at a urinary stone within the kidney or ureter. The repeated force caused by the shock waves fragments the stone into small pieces. Physicians use an ultrasound or fluoroscopy to locate the stone and focus the shock waves.
This procedure most often is performed under heavy sedation, although physicians sometimes use general anesthesia. Shock waves are transmitted to the patient either through a water bath, which the patient is placed into, or using a water-filled cushion against the skin. Once treatment is complete, the small stone particles pass down the ureter and eventually pass out through urination. Certain cases may require physicians to place a stent up the ureter before the procedure to help the stone fragments pass.
Certain types of stones (cystine, calcium oxalate monohydrate) are resistant to shock wave lithotripsy and usually require another treatment. In addition, larger stones (generally greater than 2.5 centimeters) may break into large pieces that can still block the kidney. Stones in the lower portion of the kidney also have a decreased chance of passage.
Cysto-Endourology Suite
To accurately diagnose urologic conditions, physicians may administer a cystoscopy. During this procedure, the physician looks closely inside a patient’s bladder by inserting a small camera through the urethra. Physicians commonly use the cystoscopy procedure to look for causes of bleeding in the urine, as well as other bladder problems.
Receive Comprehensive Urology Surgery Care at Richmond University Medical Center
Patients in the Staten Island, NY, area experiencing symptoms brought on by urologic conditions can find compassionate, caring urology surgery services at Richmond University Medical Center. The Urology Services Center consists of highly qualified medical professionals specializing in both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. To learn more about the conditions treated and treatments provided at Richmond University Medical Center, contact us today or make an appointment.
Patients can be referred to the center by their doctor. To reach the center directly, call (718)-370-1400.
