WEYRICH UROLOGY

Cystoscopy is a procedure which is usually performed in our office. The physician uses a fiber optic scope to examine your bladder. This scope, which is made up of a long flexible tube, an eye piece, and a high intensity light is inserted into your urethra and makes its way into the bladder. A local anesthetic is inserted into the urethra. Most patients find cystoscopy uncomfortable but quite tolerable. We are able to identify bladder and urethral abnormalities such as bladder tumors by performing this procedure.

ESWL is performed to break up stones in your kidney(s) or ureter(s). It is performed at a hospital in the Same Day Surgery department. The hospitals at which we perform this procedure use a lithotripter which requires that you lay on a table (you are not submersed in a water tank).

Seeds are a minimally invasive therapy for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. There are two parts to Brachytherapy; the volume study which is a measurement of your prostate is performed approximately six weeks prior to the actual seed placement. This allows the radiation physicist to plan the number of seeds and the actual placement of the seeds. The actual seed placement is performed in the same day surgery area of the hospital and you will go home on the day of your procedure. Your urologic surgeon performs this procedure in conjunction with a radiation oncologist.

Prostatectomy is performed to remove a cancerous prostate gland. It is one of several different treatments for prostate cancer. This surgery is performed in the hospital. You will be admitted several hours prior to your surgery time and will stay in the hospital a number of days (usually three to four). Your urologist will have counseled you on the possible outcomes of this surgery before you are even scheduled.

During surgery, a stent may be placed in the ureter. The ureter is the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder. The stent is placed to dilate (open) the ureter so stone fragments can pass easily through the ureter or to decrease ureteral swelling after surgery, or to relieve an obstruction.

The stent is made of rubber. The upper end of the stent curls in the kidney while the lower end rests in the bladder.

TURP is performed to help alleviate symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. The procedure reduces the size of the prostate by lasering or cutting prostate tissue away from the urethra. There are possible side effects which your urologic surgeon will discuss with you before you schedule the procedure. You will be admitted to the hospital for a short stay.

Urodynamic testing may be ordered if you have voiding problems, especially incontinence. This testing is performed in our office by a nurse who has special training to perform your urodynamic test. The test is performed after placing several electrodes on your abdomen, leg and near the rectum. Two catheters are placed; one in the rectum and the other in the urethra. These devices record different pressures and muscle responses that gives the interpreting physician information to make a specific diagnosis. The test usually requires that you be here an hour.

Uroflow is a test performed in all of our offices. This test measures the volume and force of your urinary stream. You will be asked to urinate into a special commode in a private room which electronically measures this information.  You must try to void with as much force as possible.  This is one of the few tests in medicine which never hurts and doesn't involve a needle.  If your bladder isn't full, please drink fluids until it is full, to make the test meaningful.

Vasectomy is a procedure for male sterilization. The procedure involves the ligation of (or removal of part of) the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm to the ejaculatory ducts). This procedure can be performed in the office or the outpatient department at the hospital depending on your insurance coverage. Special note for patients with Medical Assistance: Your coverage requires that you sign a consent form 30 days prior to your procedure. If we do not have a signature dated 30 days before your scheduled procedure we will reschedule. Most men prefer to have their vasectomy performed at the end of the week so that they have the weekend to recover. If you have a job that does not require lifting or physical labor you will have no problem returning to work after a two day recovery. You will be asked to return approximately two weeks after your vasectomy for an appointment with your doctor and to receive your post vas instructions. The post procedure testing is very important to determine the success of the procedure. You will be asked to use birth control until you have had a negative sperm count. This may require more than one test. 

Vasovasostomy is the rejoining of the separated ends of the vas deferens in order to reestablish male fertility. The procedure is performed in the same day surgery department of the hospital. It requires the skills of two urologic surgeons and special microscopic equipment. Most insurance companies do not pay for vasectomy reversal. We ask that you speak to our business office before you schedule as we require prepayment. The hospital charges are not included in our pricing. Remember, there is also a charge for the anesthesiologist. Your surgeon will review success rates with you during your initial consultation appointment.