Overview

Our urologists provide excellent, cost-effective diagnosis and treatment of urologic disorders in a caring, non-intimidating environment. You’ll find that the knowledge and expertise of our urologists and staff make your experience comfortable and productive.

We specialize in minimally invasive robotic surgery, which is more precise, uses smaller incisions, reduces recovery time, and gets you back to your normal routine more quickly.

Urologic Surgery Treatment & Services

Prostate Treatments

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. More than 70 percent of men in their 60s have BPH symptoms, so it is very common. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man's quality of life.

BPH is one of the leading reasons for men to visit a urologist. There are several treatments for BPH, including medications, UroLift System, thermo-therapies, laser treatments, and surgery (TURP).

Incontinence Treatments

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and it can occur in both men and women. Our urology providers can offer treatment options that can correct or minimize the effects of urinary incontinence. Options include physical therapy, medications, minimally-invasive procedures, and surgery depending on the type and cause.  

Kidney Stone Treatments

Kidney stones are small, mineral, and acidic salt deposits that form inside your kidney. There are many causes of kidney stones, most often times happening when urine becomes concentrated allowing the mineral deposits to grow. Because there are many causes of kidney stones, there are also many kidney stone treatments. Our urology providers can determine the severity with a simple x-ray and can suggest a remedy, such as pain relievers or non-invasive procedures to blast away the kidney stones.

Cancer Treatments

At PCI our urologists use the latest in robotic surgery technology to offer a minimally invasive approach to surgery. Our doctors perform surgical oncology for bladder cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, as well as testicular cancer. Our team of cancer professionals treats more cancer patients than any other team in the Cedar Rapids area. We specialize in a variety of advanced cancer treatments, such as robotic prostatectomy or injections of Lupron, Zoladex, Firmagon, or Prolia for prostate cancer treatment.

Learn more about prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment >>

Minimally Invasive Procedures

  • Laparoscopy -  for the detection of ovarian cysts, adhesions, and biopsies.
  • Robotic Surgery -  for minimally invasive surgery providing the fastest recovery time.
    • Adrenalectomy - removal of adrenal glands for cancer treatment of the adrenal gland.
    • Brachytherapy -  the treatment of cancer, especially prostate cancer, by the insertion of sealed radioactive implants directly into the tissue.
    • Cystectomy - (partial or total) removal of a subsection of the bladder for bladder cancer treatment.
    • Nephrectomy (partial and total) - removal of a kidney for the treatment of kidney cancer.
    • Prostatectomy - removal of the prostate and surrounding tissue for prostate cancer treatment.
    • Pyeloplasty - reconstruction of the renal pelvis (part of the kidney) to ensure better drainage.
    • Sacral Colopexy - corrects vaginal prolapses or enterocele repair.
    • Ureteral Implants - inserts a device into the ureter to provide for the passage of urine.

In-Office Urologic Procedures

  • Hydrocele Aspiration (Fluid Removal) - drainage for fluid build up around one or both testicles.
  • Bladder Biopsy - cells or tissue of the bladder is removed for lab tests.
  • Bladder Instillations - medications are inserted through a catheter to coat the inside of the bladder, generally for bladder cancer treatment.
  • Bladder Ultrasound Scanning of Post Void Residual Urine - an imaging scan that looks at the post-void residual (PVR) urine to help evaluate incontinence, enlarged prostate, or other urination problems.
  • Botox Bladder Injections - treatment for certain types of urinary leakage.
  • Catheter Changes - the removal, cleaning, and reinsertion of catheters.
  • Cystourethroscopy - a procedure where a small camera is used to inspect the urinary tract to diagnose bladder cancer, prostate cancer, or other urinary tract issues.
  • Injections for Lupron, Zoladex, Firmagon, Prolia, and XGEVA
  • Penile Injections for Sexual Dysfunction - medications injected into the penis to help facilitate an erection.
  • Percutaneous Nerve Evaluation - used to determine if a patient is a candidate for Sacral Nerve Stimulation.
  • Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) - in-office treatment of urgency, frequency, and urinary leakage called urge incontinence.
  • Prostate Biopsy - removes a small sample of the prostate for lab testing.
  • SpaceOAR Hydrogel: An option for men who undergo radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It acts as a spacer providing space between the rectum and the prostate, reducing radiation exposure to the rectum. It is injected into place prior to the start of radiation treatment. Patients may be awake or asleep under general anesthesia for the procedure. SpaceOAR Hydrogel remains stable during radiation therapy and then is gradually absorbed by the body after radiation therapy has been completed.
  • Laser Removal of Bladder Lesions Urethral Dilatations - dilates the urethra for the treatment of kidney stones and some severe urinary tract infections.
  • Urodynamics - a variety of tests done to show how efficiently the bladder functions.
  • UroLift - minimally invasive treatment for BPH or an enlarged prostate.
  • Vasectomy and Reversals - a form of male birth control that blocks the tube through which sperm passes.

Robotic Urology Surgery

Dr. Jonathan Rippentrop talks about advancements in urology surgery, including minimally-invasive robot-assisted surgery.