Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Department of Urology delivers a full complement of services covering:
-
General urology
-
Endourology
-
Female urology
-
Kidney stones
-
Male infertility
-
Prostate disease
-
Sexual dysfunction
-
Urinary incontinence
-
Among the department’s leading-edge treatments and therapies offered are:
-
Laparoscopic procedures– Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Department of Urology and the Kimmel Cancer Center have been pioneers in minimally
invasive laparoscopic surgery since 1990. In 2000, urologic surgeons here performed the first laparoscopic prostatectomy in
the Delaware Valley. Today, Jefferson boasts three surgeons who are fellowship trained in laparoscopic and/or robotic surgery
of the prostate (
DaVinci prostatectomy) and several other with extensive experience in
laparoscopic kidney surgery. As members of a team working with urologic oncologists and other experts in prostate cancer and other malignancies, the
best state-of-the-art care can be recommended to our patients in a multidisciplinary setting. The department has trained many
fellows, residents and attending physicians in these advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques who now practice in the
Philadelphia region and around the United States.
In addition to offering the greatest experience in the Delaware Valley, we also offer the latest technology: the
daVinci® Surgical System for laparoscopic prostatectomy. Providing access to a patient’s internal anatomy through five small incisions, this tool
enables surgeons to see a magnified, three-dimensional view of the operative area. But rather than perform surgery directly
on a patient, the surgeon “operates” via the robotic machine. The machine scales, filters and translates the surgeon’s hand
movements and uses micro-equipment to precisely execute them.
See a Webcast a
laparoscopic kidney removal and a
robotic prostatectomy.
-
Minimally invasive prostate therapies– In 1997, Jefferson Hospital became the first hospital in the Delaware Valley to use prostate thermotherapy (“microwaves”)
to treat benign prostate enlargement. Today, we offer both thermotherapy and leading-edge laser therapies as alternatives
to traditional prostate surgeries. Our approaches help achieve the same results with less pain and a shorter recovery period.
They are also performed on an outpatient basis.
-
Multidisciplinary approach to genitourinary cancers– Jefferson urologists are part of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson’s Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Center, the progressive
approach of which gives patients access to multiple cancer experts during a single visit. In addition to being a leading provider
of laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy and nephrectomy, we also offer cryotherapy of the prostate and kidney, (which involves
the application of extreme cold to destroy diseased tissue) and prostate brachytherapy (which involves placement of tiny,
radioactive “seeds” within the prostate).
More information on the Multidisciplinary Clinic
-
Urodynamic testing– Jefferson Hospital’s Department of Urology has sophisticated capabilities for testing bladder function. Through a variety
of procedures, we can assess bladder pressures and urine flow, enabling us to recommend an appropriate course of treatment
for a variety of bladder and urinary conditions.
-
Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal– In addition to vasectomies, Jefferson Hospital also offers vasectomy reversals, which require advanced microsurgical skills
and experience. In fact, the Department of Urology includes a fellowship-trained
recognized expert who has performed hundreds of vasectomy reversals. Our team carefully assesses each patient’s situation and uses a surgical
approach most likely to generate the desired result: pregnancy.
-
Emerging therapies– Jefferson urologists continue to work diligently to develop new or improved approaches to diagnosing and treating urologic
conditions. For example, our urologists are among the select few in the United States who will soon begin testing a revolutionary
approach to treating prostate cancer without surgery using focused ultrasound waves. In addition, our participation in clinical
trials gives patients access to leading-edge treatment options.
