Urology Services in Staten Island, NY
The urinary system performs an essential role in keeping the whole body healthy. When something goes wrong, it can affect a patient’s day-to-day life. Urology is the field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases in the urinary system. Richmond University Medical Center offers urology services at the Urology Services Center on Staten Island, New York. Here, board-certified urologists offer advanced services including sexual health, pediatric urology, and minimally invasive surgery.
What Is Urology?
The urinary system is responsible for filtering and removing waste and toxins. It is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, each of which performs an important role to keep the system functioning. The kidneys filter and process waste into urine, which drains through the ureters and into the bladder. The bladder stores urine until it exits the body through the urethra. If there is a problem at any step, it may interfere with a person’s ability to urinate normally.
Urologists are physicians focused on the urinary system. They also address problems with the male and female reproductive systems, which are closely linked with the urinary tract. These physicians identify, diagnose, and treat ailments that affect these systems. If a patient has difficulty urinating, or if they have a problem with sexual function, then a urologist may be able to help.
When to See a Urologist
Patients may be referred to a urologist by a primary care or specialty physician. They may also request an appointment themselves. Medical professionals recommend that patients over 40 should see a urologist regularly. They should also see a urologist if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination (overactive bladder)
- Urinary incontinence or leaks
- Discomfort during urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak urine flow
- Blood in urine
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated kidney function
- Prostate problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sex drive
- Abnormalities in the testicles
- Abnormal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure successful treatment. Though some of these symptoms may be embarrassing to talk about, patients are encouraged to speak with a urologist about their experience. A specialist consultation is the first step toward long-term relief and a return to normalcy.
What to Expect
When patients visit the Urology Services Center, they should be prepared to discuss why they are there. Physicians will have questions about the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Their goal is to develop a complete picture of the patient’s condition. The physician may also request medical tests for a more accurate diagnosis. Depending on the case, these might include:
- Physical exam: During a physical exam, physicians examine the affected area directly. For men, this may include a rectal exam. For women, it involves a pelvic exam.
- Lab samples: The patient may be asked to provide a urine, blood, or semen sample for analysis. This allows doctors to check for chemical or hormonal imbalances.
- Imaging tests: For internal problems, physicians use advanced imaging tests to take a closer look. These may include ultrasounds, X-rays, and computed tomography (CT) scans.
After receiving results from tests, physicians are ready to provide a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options. Treatment plans are individualized depending on the patient’s unique case, including the condition being treated, their overall health, and their medical history. Treatments may include medication, behavioral training (including pelvic exercises and diet adjustments), or surgery.
Urology Services
Richmond University Medical Center provides a broad variety of treatment options for urologic and sexual conditions. Physicians are board-certified and experienced in the latest treatments and therapies, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Diagnostic and treatment tools are state-of-the-art, ensuring the highest quality of patient-centered care.
Adult Urologic Care
The adult urologic care center addresses issues with male and female urinary systems. Physicians address a wide variety of issues, including:
- Cancer of the bladder, kidney, or prostate
- Congenital bladder and kidney issues
- Trauma and scar tissue
- Kidney stones, bladder stones, and ureter stones
- Slow or painful urination
- Inability to urinate
- Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder
Men’s Urology Health
Richmond University Medical Center offers high-quality treatments for urologic conditions affecting men, such as aquablation therapy and UroLift for benign enlarged prostate. Physicians also provide treatments for men’s sexual conditions, such as vasectomies and infertility, testosterone, and erectile dysfunction services.
Women’s Urology Health
Richmond University Medical Center specializes in urology for women, treating conditions that affect urinary and sexual health. Physicians use cutting-edge methodology and technology to provide surgical and non-surgical care for conditions such as:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Pediatric Urology
Pediatric urologists know how to help children relax while discussing potentially embarrassing topics like genitalia and urination. They also use advanced tools designed to treat small bodies safely. Children may see a urologist for similar problems as adults, as well as child-specific issues such as:
- Persistent bedwetting
- Genetic and birth abnormalities
- Undescended testes and problems with sex development
- Groin issues including hydrocele, varicocele, and inguinal hernia
- Conditions identified before birth
Urologists at Richmond University Medical Center
Richmond University Medical Center employs several board-certified urologists and urological surgeons. Each physician holds a different set of specialties and interests, allowing the team to provide high-quality care for a wide variety of patients and conditions.
Richard Maggio, MD, FACS
Dr. Maggio is a Board-certified urological surgeon. He practices general urology at Richmond University Medical Center and has a special interest in endourology and minimally invasive procedures for BPH. He also offers advanced procedures such as Penile Shockwave Treatment (PSWT) for erectile dysfunction and Votiva RF for women with stress incontinence.
Sovrin Shah, MD, FRMRS
Dr. Shah is board-certified in urology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in female urology, including overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, and reconstructive surgery. He also works at Mount Sinai Health System as an Associate Professor of Urology and physician.
Michael Wilson, DO
Dr. Wilson is a board-certified urological surgeon and the Chief of Urology and of Robotic Urology at Richmond University Medical Center. He specializes in a variety of minimally invasive procedures, including oncology, BPH, and reconstructive surgery. He also performs general urology and endourology procedures.
Mariano Siragusa, AGNP-C, MSN, CEN
Mariano Siragusa is a board-certified nurse practitioner and a native Staten Islander. He currently specializes in general urology, including BPH treatments, hormone replacement therapy, and recurrent UTIs. He is experienced in long-term patient care and emergency care for a wide variety of illnesses and has also performed elder care in multiple nursing home settings.
Care Close to Home
Outpatient services and ambulatory care are provided through Richmond Health Network at the Urology Services Center on 1200 South Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314. Here, patients receive care in the comfortable, private environment of state-of-the-art urology suites. More advanced care and surgical procedures are provided at Richmond University Medical Center’s main hospital at 355 Bard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310. Both campuses are easily accessible by car and public transportation. Contact us at 718-370-1400 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
