Urology Specialists: Pioneers in Advanced Bladder & Prostate Health

Urology specialists are medical doctors who focus on the health of the urinary system for both men and women, as well as the male reproductive system. These specialists, often simply referred to as urologists, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that affect organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Additionally, male patients may seek urological care for issues related to the prostate, testes, and penis.

Urologists are trained in both surgical and medical (non-surgical) treatment methods. This allows them to manage various urological conditions, from urinary tract infections and incontinence to more complex issues such as kidney cancer or kidney stones. They are skilled in conventional surgical procedures as well as advanced techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries and robotic-assisted procedures.

Patients looking for urology care can usually find specialists through an extensive directory of providers, which allows them to search based on factors like location, insurance acceptance, and patient reviews. Many urologists also offer the convenience of video visit consultations, expanding accessibility to specialized urological care even for those who cannot attend in-person appointments.

Urology

Urology is the medical specialty that deals with the health of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. General Urology is the term that covers disorders to your urinary tract including the urethra, bladder, and kidneys in both men and women. But there other specialties such as urological oncology (urologic cancers), urological surgery, and sexual medicine. Some conditions like Kidney Stones can be treated by a urology specialists while other more complicated issues may need to see a kidney specialists called a nephrologist. 

Urology Near Me in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, our team at Comprehensive Urology stands out for it’s patient focused service and same day procedures in our state-of-the-art facility in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. We pride ourselves on quickly identifying the cause of your concern and addressing it with non-invasive procedures.

Top Urologist Near Me Kia Michel, MD

Dr. Kia Michel, MD, has served as the top urologist in Los Angeles for over 2 decades. With a commitment to using minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Michel specializes in treating a comprehensive spectrum of urological disorders and sexual health enhancements.

• Association: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• Specialties:
  • BPH
  • Non Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
  • Male Enhancement
  • Shockwave Therapy for ED
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Focal Therapy: Tulsa Procedure and HIFU
  • Stone Disease
• Approach: Known for a patient-oriented approach and utilizing the latest medical advancements.

Patients appreciate his dedication to providing personalized care and his extensive experience in the field.

Urologic Disease

Urologic diseases encompass a diverse range of conditions that affect the urinary system and male reproductive organs. These illnesses can be acute or chronic and may have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Symptoms may include a persistent urge to urinate, pain during urination, and cloudy urine. They are more common in women than men, and treatment usually involves antibiotics to clear the infection.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts crystallize in the kidneys, often causing severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. Treatment for kidney stones varies from pain management and hydration to more invasive methods like lithotripsy, where shock waves are used to break stones into smaller pieces.

Prostate Disorders

Prostate disorders affect the prostate gland in men and can include conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. BPH, characterized by the enlargement of the prostate, often leads to urinary difficulty and can be managed with medications or surgery depending on severity.

Diagnosis in Urology

Diagnosis in urology is a critical step that ensures patients receive the appropriate care. Urologists utilize a combination of clinical assessments, imaging techniques, and laboratory tests to accurately identify urological conditions.

Clinical Examination

In a clinical examination, the urologist conducts a thorough physical evaluation which may include a genital and rectal examination. Through palpation (feeling with fingers) and observation, they assess for abnormalities in the urinary tract and male reproductive organs.

Imaging Techniques

Imaging techniques are vital tools in the diagnosis of urologic diseases. They may include:

• Ultrasound: Non-invasive and widely used to view the kidneys, bladder, and male reproductive system.
• CT scans (Computed Tomography): Offer detailed cross-sectional images.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides high-resolution images of soft tissues, useful in complex diagnoses.
• X-rays: Often used with a contrast dye to visualize the urinary tract, known as an intravenous pyelogram (IVP).

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests provide a wealth of information and typically include:

• Urinalysis: Detects bacteria, blood, and other substances in urine.
• Blood tests: Measure kidney function and detect markers for urological cancers.
• Urine culture: Identifies specific bacteria in cases of urinary tract infection.
• Semen analysis: Evaluates male infertility issues.

Urology Treatments

Urology treatments encompass a wide range of methods to address urinary and reproductive system disorders. They range from medical management with specific medications to sophisticated surgeries for cancer and other serious conditions.

Medications and Pharmacology

Medications are often the first line of defense against urological issues. They can manage infections, control symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and relax bladder muscles. Antibiotics, for instance, are commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Surgical Interventions

Surgical interventions may be required for more complex urological conditions. Procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for enlarged prostate and nephrectomy for kidney removal are executed by skilled urologists. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy offer patients quicker recovery times.

Emerging Therapies

Urologists are continually exploring and implementing emerging therapies to enhance patient care. This includes advancements in laser therapies for kidney stones and innovative immunotherapies for treating bladder cancer, aiming to provide targeted and less invasive treatment options.

Best Urology Clinic in Los Angeles

Comprehensive Urology strives to be the top  has board-certified urologists

Pediatric Urology

Pediatric urology is a specialized field dedicated to the treatment of urologic conditions in children. This includes congenital abnormalities and issues related to the urinary tract’s structure and function.

Congenital Issues

Children can face a variety of congenital urologic issues, which are present at birth. One common condition is hypospadias, where the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis. Another is cryptorchidism, the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum. Pediatric urologists employ both non-invasive and surgical techniques to correct these conditions, striving to improve functionality and long-term outcomes.

Voiding Dysfunction

Voiding dysfunction refers to problems with the storage of urine in the bladder or the flow of urine through the urethra. Children may experience daytime incontinence or bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), which can often be managed with behavioral modifications, medication, or a combination of both. More complex cases, such as those involving neurogenic bladder, often require a strategic approach that could include intermittent catheterization or surgery. Pediatric urologists work to tailor treatment plans to each child’s specific needs, drawing on a comprehensive understanding of the unique aspects of pediatric urinary systems.

Urologic Oncology

Urologic oncology focuses on cancers of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. Specialists in this field diagnose and manage malignancies, often employing both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer starts when cells in the urinary bladder begin to grow uncontrollably. The standard treatments include either surgical intervention, such as a transurethral resection or cystectomy, or intravesical therapy. Advanced cases might require chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination known as chemoradiation.

Risk Factors:

• Smoking
• Occupational exposure to certain chemicals
• Chronic bladder inflammation
• Previous cancer treatment

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men and varies greatly in aggressiveness. Treatment may not be necessary for slower-growing cases. Active surveillance, surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy are potential treatment paths depending on the stage and rate of growth of the tumor.

Early Detection:

• PSA blood test
• Digital rectal exam (DRE)

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, starts in the cells of the kidney. Treatments can range from partial or radical nephrectomy to ablative therapies and targeted systemic treatments. The choice of treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis and the patient’s overall health.

Management Approaches:

• Surgery
• Ablative treatments (e.g., cryotherapy)
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

Men’s Health

Men’s health encompasses a range of conditions that urology specialists often address, including both sexual and reproductive health. Urologists provide expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions such as erectile dysfunction and infertility, which are common issues that can significantly impact a man’s quality of life.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Causes of ED can vary from psychological factors to physiological issues, including vascular problems, diabetes, or neurological disorders. Treatments often begin with lifestyle modifications and can include medications like phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. In refractory cases, a specialist might suggest vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or surgical options.

• Lifestyle changes: diet, exercise, reducing alcohol, quitting smoking
• Medications: typically PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil)
• Surgical options: penile implants

Infertility Treatment

Infertility affects many couples and is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. A third of these cases can be attributed to male factors. Urologists evaluate male infertility through a comprehensive assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. Treatments may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

• Semen analysis: to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology
• Lifestyle changes: increase exercise, improve diet, avoid hot tubs and tight clothing
• Medications: might include hormonal treatments or antibiotics
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Women’s Urologic Health

Women’s urologic health encompases a range of conditions that urology specialists treat, focusing on the urinary tract system and pelvic floor disorders. Urologists are dedicated to the diagnosis and sophisticated treatment options tailored for women of all ages.

Incontinence Management

Incontinence in women is often effectively managed by urology specialists. They employ various treatments, from behavioral modifications and physical therapy to medication and surgery. In particular, stress incontinence and urge incontinence are two common types that specialists address. Stress incontinence occurs when there is exertional leakage, such as during coughing or exercise, while urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.

• Behavioral Techniques:

  • Timed voiding
  • Bladder training

• Physical Therapy:

  • Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel)

• Medications:

  • Anticholinergics
  • Beta-3 agonists

• Surgical Options:

  • Sling procedures
  • Urethral bulking agents

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions affecting the pelvic region, including pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction. Urology specialists utilize state-of-the-art technology to accurately diagnose and personalize treatment for these disorders.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

  • Occurs when pelvic organs drop from their normal position.
  • Treatments include pessaries or surgery.

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:

  • Involves difficulty in relaxing and coordinating pelvic floor muscles.
  • Treatment often involves pelvic floor physical therapy.

Geriatric Urology

Geriatric Urology is a specialized field focusing on the urinary tract issues prevalent among older adults. This segment underscores the importance of understanding how aging affects the urinary system and the commonality of urinary incontinence in the elderly population.

Age-Related Urological Changes

As individuals age, various urological changes are expected to occur. The lower urinary tract exhibits several age-associated alterations, which can manifest as increased urinary frequency, urgency, and retention. For instance, prostate gland enlargement in men can affect bladder function, leading to difficulties in urination. In women, pelvic floor muscles can weaken post-menopause, contributing to urinary complications.

Common age-related urological changes include:

• Decrease in bladder capacity
• Diminished urinary stream strength
• Increased post-void residual urine volume
• Changes in urinary sphincter function

Incontinence in the Elderly

Urinary incontinence is notably prevalent in the older adult population. It is estimated that between 15% and 35% of adults aged 60 or over in the United States experience some form of urinary incontinence. This condition can be attributed to a variety of factors including weakened pelvic muscles, hormonal changes, and the natural decline of kidney function.

Types of urinary incontinence commonly affecting the elderly:

1. Stress Incontinence: Leakage during coughing, sneezing, or physical activity
2. Urge Incontinence: Sudden urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine
3. Overflow Incontinence: Incomplete emptying of the bladder leading to dribbling
4. Functional Incontinence: Physical or mental impairment preventing timely bathroom use

Management of urinary incontinence in the elderly is multifaceted, including lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and sometimes surgery, depending on the severity and underlying cause. Geriatric urology specialists can provide tailored approaches to mitigate the impact of these urological challenges on seniors’ quality of life.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery in urology has marked a significant shift towards minimally invasive procedures. Utilizing robotic interfaces, surgeons perform complex operations through small incisions, which potentially leads to reduced pain and faster recovery for patients. A key component is a 3-dimensional view of the surgical field, which is greatly magnified, thereby enhancing precision during surgery.

Institutions like the Cleveland Clinic are at the vanguard of this field, with extensive experience within their Center for Robotic and Image Guided Surgery. These centers are recognized for their pioneering efforts in patient care and are actively involved in research and education.

Surgeons favor robotic-assisted surgery for its benefits which include:

• Enhanced visualization: provides a magnified view up to 12 times.
• Greater precision: natural hand-eye coordination similar to traditional surgery.
• Less invasiveness: performed through tiny incisions, reducing patient trauma.

Different robotic surgical systems are available globally, with some systems recently receiving approvals for use in Europe. The Urology Group uses this technology for treating various urological conditions including prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers. Patients seeking treatment can easily request appointments, reflecting the accessibility of robotic surgery in contemporary medical practice.

Collectively, these advances represent a step forward in urological surgical care, combining the latest technology with the expertise of skilled surgeons to improve patient outcomes.

Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Focal therapy for prostate cancer offers a targeted approach to treat localized tumors within the prostate. It is designed to minimize damage to the surrounding healthy tissues, with the aim of reducing side effects typically associated with more invasive treatments.

Tulsa Procedure for Prostate Cancer

The Tulsa procedure is a technique that employs transurethral ultrasound ablation to address prostate cancer. By using directional ultrasound waves, it generates temperatures high enough to ablate cancerous tissue, while sparing the surrounding prostate and organ structures.

HIFU for Prostate Cancer

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to raise the temperature within the targeted area, leading to the destruction of cancerous cells. HIFU is recognized for its precision and the ability to preserve prostate functions due to its minimally invasive nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common inquiries patients may have when considering or seeking treatment from a urology specialist.

Why would you need to see a urologist?

Individuals may need to see a urologist for various conditions related to the urinary tract, such as urinary incontinence, kidney stones, or urinary tract infections. Men may also require a urologist for issues pertaining to the reproductive system, such as prostate problems or erectile dysfunction.

What is Cedars Sinai ranked for urology?

Cedars Sinai is nationally recognized for its excellence in urology. Rankings can fluctuate annually but they are consistently listed among the top hospitals for urology by notable evaluators like U.S. News & World Report.

Which problem is treated by urologists?

Urologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary system and male reproductive system, including but not limited to urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and prostate cancer.

What surgical procedures do urological surgeons perform?

Urological surgeons perform various surgical procedures such as cystoscopy, vasectomy, prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and surgeries to correct urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. The choice of procedure depends on the patient’s specific condition and needs.

What is the best urology clinic in Los Angeles?

Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills is the best urology clinic in Los Angeles with an associated with top ranked Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Our Team, led by top urologist Kia Michel, MD are standing by to help you restore optimal urological and sexual health. Schedule an appointment today.