Areas Of Practice :

There are quite a few problems which requires the expertise of a urologist.  We shall review some of these.  However, anyone who has a condition which may be mentioned in this review, would need detailed interpretation as to how it would be managed on an individual basis.

Northgate Urology specializes in the treatment and care of the following urological issues :

I. Kidney Stones -

This is a very common condition that will occur in approximately 1 in 10 individuals.  The incidence varies with age.  Also, there can be a familial predisposition. Stones will generally form when the urine becomes over saturated with certain crystals.  Stones can be calcium, phosphates, oxalate, uric acid, and even from some medications.  The treatment of stones will vary.  Many can pass under specific circumstances and others will require intervention.  Some examples of treatment include ESWL ( extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy), urteroscopy with extraction or laser fragmentation, and some require percutaneous approaches (thru a puncture of the skin).

II. Kidney/Ureteral Blockage -

The ureter is the structure that connects the kidney to the bladder thus draining the urine. Blockage may result in severe damage to the kidney.  If the obstruction lasts for an extended period of time the kidney will be destroyed. There are a number of conditions that might cause this condition.

III. Cancer -

a. Prostate -

Prostate cancer has become the most common solid organ cancer in the male.  It is estimate to account for nearly 30% of male cancer.  With early detection death rates have dropped over 4% in seven years.

b. Kidney -

The number of new cases of kidney cancer diagnosed yearly exceeds 51,000 people. This has been increasing 2% per year since 1965.  Early diagnosis is important for long term survival.

c. Bladder -

Over 67,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed yearly. Males are affected more than females. The median age of diagnosis is 65 years. Most will be non-invasive and can be treat with minimal invasive procedures.

d. Ureter -

Ureteral tumors are much less common. They are histologically similar to bladder cancer. They often present as bleeding or blockage of the kidney.

e. Penis -

Fortunately, these tumors are very uncommon. They present as a growth on the penis which may bleed.

f. Testis -

There are slightly less than 8000 cases of testicular tumors diagnosed yearly. A history of undescended testes is a risk factor.Great advances have been made in the treatment and survival of testicular cancer.

IV. Urinary Incontinence/ Bladder Dysfunction -

Urinary control issues are very common and increase significantly as people age. There are multiple factors involved and much of those are treatable.

V. Sexual Dysfunction/ Impotence -

Difficulty with sexual activity is more readily treatable than ever. There are a number of medications that can be used. For difficult cases there are surgical options.

VI. Sterilization -

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed in the office. Non-scapel technique is completed with local anesthesia +/- light sedation. Vasectomy reversal can be performed with microsurgical techniques.

VII. Robotic Surgery -

Dr. Lennert was the first urologist to perform laparoscopic robotic surgery in the Lehigh Valley. Various urologic procedures can be performed in this manner.  Examples include prostate cancer surgery, bladder surgery, kidney surgery, and adrenal surgery.