Common Urology Procedures

At Central Texas Urology, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of urological care, backed by years of expertise and a commitment to patient well-being. Our team of experienced urologists is equipped to handle a diverse range of urological conditions, offering personalized care to each patient who walks through our doors. We understand that urological health is a critical aspect of overall well-being and our approach is both compassionate and comprehensive.

Our services encompass a wide spectrum of procedures, each designed to address specific urological needs. From advanced surgical interventions to minimally invasive techniques, Central Texas Urology is at the forefront of urological treatment. We cater to a variety of conditions, ranging from common urinary tract issues to more complex reproductive health concerns. Our practice is not just about treating conditions but also about educating and empowering our patients to make informed decisions about their health.

Central Texas Urology prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge techniques. We are continually evolving, integrating the latest medical advancements into our practice. This commitment to excellence ensures that our patients receive the best possible care in a supportive and understanding environment. Whether it’s routine care or more specialized treatment, our goal is to enhance the quality of life of our patients through exceptional urological care.

1. Vasectomy: A Consideration for Permanent Birth Control

Vasectomies represent a significant portion of urological procedures, with about half a million men in the United States opting for this surgery annually, as reported by the American Urological Association. This procedure is a definitive form of male birth control. It involves the surgical severing and sealing of the vas deferens – the tubes responsible for transporting sperm from the testicles to the semen.

Notably, it’s a brief outpatient procedure, typically requiring only 10 to 30 minutes to complete, and is known for its high efficacy and minimal recovery time.

2. Vasectomy Reversal: Regaining Fertility Potential

Men who have undergone a vasectomy but later decide to father children may consider a vasectomy reversal. This complex procedure involves the microsurgical reconnection of the vas deferens.

However, it’s important to note that the success of vasectomy reversal, in terms of achieving pregnancy, is not guaranteed and depends on several factors, including time elapsed since the vasectomy and the individual’s fertility health.

3. Cystoscopy: Insight into Bladder Health

In a cystoscopy, a slender instrument known as a cystoscope is carefully inserted into the urethra and guided into the bladder. This device, equipped with a light and camera, allows urologists to visually inspect the bladder and urethra’s lining. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing and managing various bladder conditions and can also aid in assessing prostate enlargement.

4. Prostate Procedures: Diverse Approaches for Prostate Health

Urologists employ several procedures to address prostate-related issues:

  • Prostate Biopsy: This involves extracting tissue samples from the prostate for laboratory analysis, primarily to detect cancer.
  • UroLift: A minimally invasive office procedure, UroLift helps alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate prostate enlargement.
  • Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA): Utilizing radiofrequency ablation, TUNA targets enlarged prostate tissue that constricts the urethra.
  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): In TURP, a resectoscope is used to trim and remove enlarged prostate tissue, easing urination issues.
  • Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP): Ideal for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), TUIP involves small incisions in the bladder neck to relieve urinary obstruction.

5. Ureteroscopy: A Route to Addressing Kidney Stones

Ureteroscopy is a key procedure for diagnosing and treating kidney stones. A ureteroscope is navigated through the urinary tract to the stone’s location. Depending on the stone’s size, it can be removed intact or broken down using lithotripsy – a process that fragments larger stones for easier passage.

6. Lithotripsy: Breaking Down Urinary Stones

Lithotripsy employs shock waves or lasers to fragment kidney, bladder, or ureter stones into smaller, passable pieces. This non-invasive technique has revolutionized the management of urinary stones, making the process less painful and more efficient.

7. Orchiopexy: Correcting Undescended Testicles

Orchiopexy is a surgical intervention to address undescended testicles, a condition where one or both testicles haven’t moved into the scrotum. The procedure involves repositioning the testicle into the scrotum and securing it, often with a tacking stitch, to prevent re-ascension.

8. Penile Plication: Addressing Penile Curvature

For men suffering from Peyronie’s disease, which causes significant curvature of the penis, penile plication offers a solution. This outpatient surgical procedure involves placing permanent sutures to straighten the penis by counteracting the curvature-causing scar tissue.

9. Penile Implants & Prostheses: Solutions for Severe Erectile Dysfunction

Penile implants or prostheses provide an erection solution for men with severe erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly when other treatments have failed. These devices, surgically inserted into the penis, can also be considered for severe Peyronie’s disease cases where ED is a primary concern.

10. Male Circumcision: A Common Neonatal Procedure

Circumcision, often performed on newborn boys, involves the surgical removal of the foreskin covering the penis tip. This procedure is widespread in various cultures and regions, including the U.S., and is performed for religious, cultural, or health reasons.

In summary, urologists offer a spectrum of procedures addressing a range of male-specific health concerns. From fertility options to prostate health and urinary tract management, their expertise spans a wide array of surgical and non