Urology Treatment Options
Urinary System
The urinary system is composed organs, tubes, muscles, and nerves which work together to create, store, and carry urine. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Blood travels into the kidneys which then filter out waste products and balance sugar, salt, potassium, other minerals, and water levels, creating urine. The urine then flows down two thin tubes called ureters into the bladder. Then nerves in the bladder signal the brain when it is time to urinate, and the muscles contract to help the urine exit the body through the urethra.
Dr. Kevin Banks leads the GMC team to ensure each patient receives an individualized treatment plan and support throughout each step of the process from diagnosis through treatment.
Urology Condition Treatment Options
- Adrenal Cancer: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, but depends on the stage of the disease and patients age and health.
- Bladder Cancer: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, but depends on the stage of the disease and patient's age and health.
- Overactive Bladder: Bladder training, medication and surgery.
- Enlarged Prostate: Medications, stents, minimally invasive treatments (e.g. Thermotherapy), and surgery.
- Erectile Dysfunction: Sex therapy, medication, and surgery.
- Epididymitis/Orchitis: Involves treating the underlying cause, with medication and surgery.
- Hematuria: Depends on the underlying cause, but may include medications or surgery.
- Hydrocele: Most cases resolve without medical treatment, but if the condition worsens aspiration and surgery are possible treatment plans.
- Incontinence: Depends on the cause of the incontinence. If the cause is related to physical activity and increased abdominal pressure, the treatment options include: injectables, nonsurgical treatments, medications and surgery. If the cause is urgency or involuntary bladder contractions, the treatment options include medication, retraining exercises, and surgery. If the cause is due to problems completely empting the bladder, the treatment options include medications, self-catheterization, and surgery.
- Interstitial Cystitis: There is no cure, but the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms via medications, behavioral changes, stress management, dietary changes, and surgery.
- Kidney Cancer: Treatment options depend on the stage and overall health and age of the patient, but typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and/or immunotherapy.
- Kidney Infection: Antibiotics, pain relievers and plenty of fluids.
- Kidney Stones: Depends on the size and type of stone, the underlying cause, the presence of any urinary infection, and whether the condition recurs. If possible, the kidney stone is allowed to pass, but medications and surgery are options for larger stones.
- Peyronie's Disease: Treatment options are limited with the goal of reducing pain and maintaining sexual function, but surgery in an option.
- Prostate Cancer: Depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's age and overall health. Treatment options may include the following: hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
- Prostatitis: Medication.
- Testicular Cancer: Depends on the stage of the disease, but surgery to remove the testicle is sometimes combined with radiation and/or chemotherapy.
- Urinary Tract Infection: Bladder infections, kidney infections, and other urinary tract infections are most frequently treated with antibacterial drugs.
For more details on the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Comprehensive Urology Center or to schedule an appointment please call 440-285-7757.