At the Forefront - UChicago Medicine

Urologic Conditions & Services

Expert Urology Care for Adults & Children

The University of Chicago Medicine is a national leader for robotic and laparoscopic management of urologic disease cancer and benign urologic disease. We offer national expertise in bladder cancer, prostate disease, reconstructive surgery, kidney stone disease and pediatric urology. 

Bladder Cancer & Neobladder

Urologists on the bladder cancer team at UChicago Medicine are national leaders and perform more radical cystectomies for bladder cancer than any other institution in the Midwest, offering our patients unparalleled skill and experience. We also perform innovative reconstructive surgery to restore normal urinary function after surgical removal of a cancerous bladder. UChicago Medicine urologic surgeons can create a "neobladder" (a new bladder) from an intestine. Our urologists have been leaders in fine-tuning this reconstructive approach as an alternative to the external ostomy bag.

Genitourinary Cancers (Cancers of the Urinary Tract)

We strive to balance the desire to maintain normal urinary and sexual function with the need to remove cancerous tissue. Our team of specialists includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and specialized nurses. Clinical trials are available for interested patients. Learn more about our urologic cancer care. 

Prostate Cancer

At UChicago Medicine, all prostate cancer surgeries are performed using a surgical robot. Our world-renowned prostate cancer team is highly skilled in the most up-to-date, technologically advanced methods for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. We feature one of most experienced robotic surgery teams in the nation, having performed robotic prostatectomies since the early 2000s. We are experts in nerve-sparing surgical techniques that enable men to regain erectile function after surgery for prostate cancer.

We're among the few medical centers in the United States to offer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and MRI-guided focal laser ablation for prostate cancer, an advanced option for men with early stage disease.

Kidney Cancer

Our surgeons have the largest experience in the Midwest performing robotic partial nephrectomies and renal surgery. They are teachers and a national authority in the management of kidney cancer.

Kidney Stones

We are experts in the multidisciplinary treatment of kidney stones, with a focus on minimally invasive management of current stones and a patient-centered approach to prevention of future stone formation. 

Pediatric Urology

Our pediatric urology service offers national leading reconstructive robotic surgery as well as the latest techniques for diagnosis and treatment of childhood urological disorders. Whenever possible, procedures are done with minimally invasive techniques, including state-of-the-art robot-assisted urological surgery. Learn more about pediatric urology services at Comer Children's Hospital. 

Pelvic Floor Defects & Urogynecology

Together with other UChicago Medicine experts in the Center for Pelvic Health, our surgeons are skilled at many different reconstructive surgery techniques for defects of the female pelvic floor and urinary disorders. Because they have a wide range of solutions to choose from, our physicians can use the method that is most appropriate for the individual patient.

Urogynecology includes surgical and nonsurgical treatments for urinary incontinence, pelvic floor relaxation, pelvic prolapse, voiding dysfunctions, pelvic pain and other urinary disorders that affect women. Our comprehensive program includes urodynamic and videourodynamic studies — a sophisticated way to evaluate bladder function. Based on these tests, we carefully tailor treatment for urinary problems to each patient's needs.

Prostate Imaging & Targeted Biopsies

We work in collaboration with our radiology department to perform high-resolution, multi-parametric MR prostate examinations using the most advanced MR protocols and scanners. The exams are interpreted using state-of-the-art, prostate-specific MRI workstations and software.

Working with our imaging experts at UChicago Medicine, we also perform MRI-guided prostate biopsies to provide localized sampling of suspicious tissue for improved diagnostic accuracy of suspected prostate cancer. 

Urinary Incontinence

Our surgeons are leaders in interventions for urinary incontinence in both women and men, including surgical and non-surgical approaches. Depending on the cause and type of incontinence, treatment may include:

  • Artificial urinary sphincters for men after cancer surgery
  • Biofeedback
  • Collagen injections
  • Medication
  • Pubovaginal sling surgery for women
  • Surgical repair for urethral stricture disease
  • Urethral reconstructions

Urinary Tract Reconstruction

UChicago Medicine offers reconstructive surgery for the upper urinary tract and lower urinary tract.