The USC Department of Urology provides diagnostic and surgical services for all genitourinary disorders. Areas of expertise include oncology, urinary reconstruction, endourology (including lithotripsy), urodynamics, adrenal surgery, management of male impotency including microvascular and prosthetic surgery, and renal transplantation.

Urologic Oncology

The Department offers specialized treatment of urologic malignancy with emphasis on the management of patients with cancer of the bladder, prostate, testis and kidney. Patients benefit from innovative surgical techniques for treatment of pelvic and retroperitoneal malignancy as well as reconstructive efforts. The Department is recognized world-wide as a center of excellence for the surgical treatment of urologic malignancies. At the USC/ Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated hospitals the Urology faculty treat every type of urologic cancer, with a special emphasis on cancer of the prostate, bladder, testis and kidney. Members of the faculty have pioneered reconstructive techniques for bladder cancer patients, with a focus on innovative methods of bladder reconstruction. A multidisciplinary approach is used with all cancer patients, with regular interactions with faculty from both Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy. The faculty are also involved in both clinical and basic science research on urologic malignancies, with an emphasis on translational, bench-to-bedside research.

USC/Norris Cancer Center

USC Prostate Center

At the USC Prostate Center, we specialize in evaluating and treating prostate disease, educating patients and their families about treatment options, and providing comprehensive care for each individual patient. Our team is recognized as a national leader in prostate disease research and patient care. The Prostate Center at USC also has a partnership with the Keck School of Medicine and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, which enables us to offer a broad range of treatments and the highest quality services.

To learn more go to: USC Prostate Center.

Reconstructive Surgery

The Department has expertise in all areas of urinary tract, pelvic and genital reconstruction, including treatment of abnormalities resulting from injury, disease or surgical therapy. Faculty members have pioneered the use of continent urinary diversion, and have extensive experience in both upper and lower urinary tract reconstruction. Specialists, who have expertise in complex genital reconstruction in both male and female patients, also offer total pelvic reconstruction for patients requiring removal of both bladder and rectum.

Laparoscopy

The department has a rapidly developing program in laparoscopic urologic surgery ranging from renal and retroperitoneal surgery to more recently, pelvic and prostate surgery. The faculty is also developing a program of robotic surgery for urinary reconstruction and pelvic surgery, utilizing the daVinci robot, which is the latest device available for laparoscopic surgery. The department is actively involved in research utilizing the latest technology and developing new instrumentation for laparoscopic urologic oncology and reconstructive surgery.

For additional information go to: USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital »

Endourology (including Lithotripsy)

The Department's kidney stone program is the largest in Southern California. Members of the Department are international experts in the development of innovative instruments and techniques enabling almost all patients with renal stones to be treated without surgery. Patients have access to a full spectrum of urologic endoscopic equipment and techniques including both flexible and rigid instrumentation, and faculty members are actively involved in instrument design and refinement. Techniques include trans-urethral surgery of the urethra, prostate, bladder, ureter and kidney, and percutaneous renal surgery. The latest methods of minimally invasive stone surgery are also available, with instrumentation for ultrasonic lithotripsy, electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy. The Siemens Lithostar extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy unit is used within the Department for non-invasive kidney stone treatment. These second-generation "dry" units have reduced anesthesia requirements.
For additional information go to: USC University Hospital »

USC Center for Sexual Function

At the USC Center for Sexual Function physicians specialize in the diagnosis of impotence, reconstructive microvascular surgery, and pharmacological treatment for sexual dysfunction (with an emphasis on erectile dysfunction [ED] associated with aging and diabetes), as well as post-operative treatment options designed to treat impotency and restore sexual function after prostate/bladder cancer surgery. Recent research has shown that the vast majority of men with chronic erectile dysfunction (impotence) have a significant underlying organic abnormality, and the USC Center for Sexual Function is dedicated to the diagnostic investigation and management of this dysfunction. A variety of treatment options, such as oral agents, Caverject (an injectable therapy), MUSE (a urethral suppository) and a prosthetic inflatable penile implant, are used and tailored to fit both the patient's underlying pathophysiology and lifestyle. Assessment and treatment for male infertility is also provided, and microsurgical procedures (reverse vasectomy), vasectomy and epididymal aspiration are performed.

USC Comprehensive Continence Center

At the USC Comprehensive Continence Center physicians identify and correct incontinence problems caused by bladder and prostate surgery (and other post-trauma or surgical intervention), childbirth, neurologic disease or congenital abnormalities. A coordinated evaluation for both male and female patients is available. Assessment may include complex neurourodynamic evaluation to better characterize the urine continence dysfunction. Treatment options include medical, surgical and/or prosthetic alternatives. USC physicians were among the first in the country to use collagen injections, and they pioneered the use of new bladder pouches in the United States. The Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to incontinence, bringing together urologists, gynecologists, reconstructive surgeons, gerontologists and rehabilitation physicians. A commitment to innovation and excellence, combined with ongoing research and teaching keep the physicians at the forefront of their field. For additional information go to: USC University Hospital »