Generally, a urologist will recommend non-invasive treatment options to treat urologic conditions. However, some patients may require surgery. These may include those with kidney or prostate cancer, adrenal tumors, ureteral blockage, pelvic organ prolapse, and vesicovaginal fistula. Whenever possible, surgeons generally prefer to perform minimally invasive surgeries, such as with robot-assisted technology. Minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits, including a shorter recovery time and a reduced risk of complications. However, not everyone is a good candidate for robotic surgery.

Some of the contraindications for robotic surgery include severe obesity, bowel obstruction, and an inability to tolerate general anesthesia. Additionally, it may not be recommended for patients with severe pulmonary or cardiac disease, cirrhosis, peritoneal adhesions, or an uncorrectable bleeding tendency.

At Urology Associates, P.C., our surgeons are highly skilled in minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery. If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones or prostate cancer in Nashville, call our office at (888) 329-7700. We also provide treatment for individuals with erectile dysfunction and urinary tract infections.

Typically, patients find that when they undergo cancer treatment, they must cope with lasting side effects. This is particularly true of men with prostate cancer who undergo a prostatectomy. A prostatectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate gland. Although this type of cancer treatment can be effective for extending a man’s longevity, it carries a high risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Fortunately, there are treatment options available for men with ED. A urologist can design a penile rehabilitation program for men who have undergone prostatectomies.

Low Testosterone Treatment
The urologist may recommend doing some lab tests to determine if the patient has low testosterone levels. If so, treating low T can be helpful in overcoming erectile dysfunction. There are many options for treating low testosterone, including topical gels, implantable pellets, and self-administered injections. These are known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products.

Oral Medications
For many men, oral medications are effective in preserving sexual health after a prostatectomy . Some oral medications include sildenafil, vardenafil, avanafil, and tadalafil. These medications work by boosting the effects of nitric oxide. This is a chemical that relaxes muscles to improve blood circulation, which enables men to get an erection when sexually aroused. Men should be careful to follow the dosage instructions carefully, since they can vary from drug to drug. Before taking any new medications, it’s advisable to consult the physician about the possible side effects.

Intra-Urethral Suppositories
Intra-urethral suppositories are another option to treat ED after a prostatectomy. This involves placing the medication directly into the opening that is located at the tip of the penis. The medication, alprostadil, triggers the expansion of the blood vessels. The increased blood flow helps men get and maintain an erection.

At the Men’s Health Clinic at Urology Associates, P.C ., men will find a comprehensive range of healthcare services for sexual health in Nashville. Our urology team can design a penile rehabilitation program to help you cope with erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer. Contact our state-of-the-art clinic at (888) 329-7700 and let us know how we can help you.

Cryoablation therapy, also known as cryosurgery, is a minimally invasive treatment that may be recommended for patients with prostate cancer. Additionally, some patients with kidney cancer may be good candidates for this type of cancer treatment. When you watch this video, you’ll hear Dr. Robert Barnett explain how cryoablation is used for cancer treatment.

Dr. Barnett of Urology Associates, P.C. explains how cryoprobes, which are special needles, are inserted directly into the cancerous tissue. Sometimes, this is accomplished with CT guidance. Then, the cancerous tissue is frozen in a controlled manner. This procedure may sometimes be performed with only a local anesthetic.

You can schedule a consultation with a urologist at Urology Associates, P.C. by calling (888) 329-7700. In addition to cancer treatment in Nashville, we provide a full range of healthcare services for individuals with incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and related conditions.