Urology

Visit a urologist if you have any of these symptoms, which may indicate a problem with the urinary tract:

• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Pain in the lower back, pelvis or sides
• Pain or burning during urination
• Urine leakage
• Weak urine flow or dribbling

Men who experience any of the following urologic symptoms should also visit a urologist:

• Decreased sexual desire
• Lump in the testicle
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection

When you visit our doctors for urologic care, we work to accurately and efficiently diagnose your urologic or pelvic condition by offering a variety of tests, including:

• Biopsy
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Cystoscopy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound
• Urine test
• Urodynamic test
• X-ray imaging

Some of our urologic treatments include:

• Artificial sphincter implants
• Bladder injections
• Bladder suspension surgery
• Botulism toxin (e.g., Botox) injections
• Collagen injection
• Cystocele repair
• Medication
• Neuromodulation
• Non-mesh surgical options
• Kidney transplant
• Pelvic physical therapy
• Placement of midurethral support
• Sacral nerve stimulation
• Sacrocolpopexy
• Sphincteroplasty
• Rectocele repair
• Urethral dilation
• Urethral implants

Kidney stones treatments

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts that form in the kidneys, affecting urination and causing extreme pain. Treatment options depend on the size and location of your kidney stone(s) and the severity of your symptoms. Options include:

• Cystoscopy — Surgery to remove small stones using a thin tube (cystoscope)
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy — Noninvasive procedure using high-energy “shock” waves (pressure waves) to break stones into tiny pieces that exit the body when you urinate
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and nephrolithotripsy — Minimally invasive procedures to remove larger stones using small tubes and surgical tools
• Ureteroscopy — Procedure in which a small scope removes stones or breaks them apart using a laser

Pelvic organ prolapse treatments

Pelvic organ prolapse is a female pelvic floor disorder. It occurs when pelvic organs — such as the bladder, uterus or rectum — drop. The prolapse can be caused by pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, long-term respiratory problems, a hysterectomy or pelvic-area cancer.

Women with this urogynecological disorder typically experience symptoms such as constipation, painful sex, urinary issues and back or pelvic pain.

Our women's pelvic health specialists combine urology and gynecological care to treat pelvic organ prolapse and other female pelvic floor and urinary disorders. Our doctors will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment, which may include surgery or pelvic floor physical therapy.

Urologic cancer treatments

We are experienced in treating all types of urologic cancer, including:

• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer

Some symptoms of these cancers may resemble other health conditions, which can make urologic cancers difficult to detect in early stages. For this reason, preventive care and cancer screenings are critical.

If cancer is detected, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Virginia provides comprehensive cancer care. From discovery to treatment and into survivorship, we are with you every step of the way.

Blue light cystoscopy for bladder cancer treatment

Reston Hospital Center introduced blue light cystoscopy in 2019 for the advanced detection of bladder cancer.

Blue light cystoscopy allows surgeons to more easily identify and remove tumors. It uses a combination of hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride, a drug that is taken up by cancer cells, and a blue light that help doctors identify cancerous cells because they glow bright pink against the blue areas of healthy tissue.

The improved detection abilities of blue light cystoscopy can lead to a more complete resection and fewer residual tumors.

Complex urology care

Patients can expect to receive exceptional urologic care at all our hospitals, but Retreat Doctors' Hospital's Center for Urological Health in Richmond, Virginia, has become a premier location for complex urologic cases. Here, our surgeons perform hundreds of complicated procedures using advanced technology to offer specialized treatments such as biofeedback, reconstructive surgery and urogynecological surgery.

When urologic surgery is necessary, we use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Minimally invasive surgery requires very small incisions, which reduces scarring, shortens your hospital stay and speeds up your recovery.

One type of minimally invasive surgical technology we offer is robot-assisted surgery, which uses tiny surgical instruments. It is ideal for performing procedures in and around delicate, hard-to-reach areas of the body, such as the areas in the urinary system.