Urology

The Cooper Urologic Institute is dedicated to improving the lives of men and women through advances in patient care, leading-edge surgical procedures, and clinical and basic science research. Cooper’s urologists provide each patient with comprehensive medical and surgical care for diseases and conditions affecting the bladder, kidneys, urinary tract and all other diseases and conditions treated by urologists in community and tertiary care settings.

Areas of Special Expertise

Cancers 

• Bladder
• Kidney
• Penile
• Prostate
• Testicular
• Ureter

Conditions

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Bladder control
• Bladder prolapsed
• Enlarged prostate
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
• Neurourological disorders
• Overactive bladder
• Pelvic organ prolapsed
• Peyronie’s disease
• Premature ejaculation
• Sperm aspiration for in vitro fertilization
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary obstructions
• Urogynecology
• Vasectomy
• Vasectomy reversal

Unique Programming for Men

Cooper’s Men’s Sexual Health Program is a unique service that guides men through all aspects of their health and provides comprehensive management of a full array of disorders affecting a man’s health and his quality of life 

Male Factor Infertility – For at least half of the couples having problems getting pregnant, the difficulty is due to male reproductive issues such as defects in the reproductive system, hormonal deficiencies, illness or traumatic injury. Male infertility includes problems with the production and development of sperm, a high number of variococeles (varicose veins of the testicles), and retrograde ejaculation, which is when the sperm travels to the bladder rather than out the penis. 

Cooper’s urologists are world-renowned for developing techniques and instruments used for minimally invasive sperm extraction for in vitro fertilization. They are also experts in using microsurgical techniques used to repair veins in the outpatient setting. Medications are the treatment of choice for retrograde ejaculation and Cooper’s urologists work with patients to find the best options for them.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – BPH is an enlarged prostate not caused by cancer. Cooper’s urologists develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient that may include medical management, traditional open or minimally invasive surgical interventions, or a combination of medicine and surgery.

Prostate Cancer – Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S. More prostate cancers are now being found in their earliest stages due the widespread use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal examinations (DREs). At Cooper, an individualized treatment plan is identified for each patient. Men with low-risk clinically localized prostate cancer can take part in Cooper’s active surveillance program, where they are monitored closely and work with their urologist to determine if, when and what type of treatment is indicated. 

Cooper also offers the latest surgical options for disease treatment, including radical prostatectomies (robotic-assisted surgery), external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy and androgen-deprived therapy. Cooper also provides patients with a full spectrum of post-procedure interventions for penile rehabilitation.

Advanced Treatment for Men and Women

Kidney Stones – Are one of the most painful and common urological conditions. The number of Americans with stones has been increasing significantly over the past 20 years with more women affected now than ever before. Cooper urologists work closely with each patient to identify the best treatment option, which include non-invasive treatments such as shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), minimally invasive treatments such as ureterosopy (URS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for very large stones, and traditional open surgery in extremely rare circumstances.

Urinary Incontinence (UI) – Bladder control is very common and affects over 15 million American men and women, affecting mostly women. Involuntary leakage of urine has a tremendous impact on a person’s quality of life. At Cooper, urologists offer patients a number of choices and work closely with each person to determine treatment options that will work best for them and their lifestyle. Non-invasive treatments include behavioral modifications and medical management. Devices such as pessaries, bladder neck support devices, urethral inserts, urine seals and artificial urinary sphincters can work wonders for many people. Interventional therapies for UI include bulking agents, Botox® injections and sacral nerve stimulation. Surgical options include suburethral slings, pubovaginal fascials slings, and bladder augmentation.

Cutting-Edge Urological Surgical Procedures

Cooper’s urologists specialize in performing traditional open surgical techniques as well as the latest in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, including:

• Androgen-deprived therapy
• Bladder reconstruction (neobladder)
• Brachytherapy
• Combined external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy
• External beam radiotherapy
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for kidney and urinary stones
• Holmium Laser Prostate Surgery (HoLEP)
• Laparoscopic and open cystectomy
• Laser photovaporization of the prostate (PVP)
• Penile implants and prostheses
• Radical prostatectomy
• Robotic-assisted surgery for prostate and kidney cancers
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
• Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
• Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
• Radiofrequency ablation

The Surgeons

Cooper’s fellowship trained and board-certified urologists are world-renowned for their expertise in men’s sexual health and for developing new surgical techniques and devices. 

Medical Research

Cooper urologists are also leaders in medical education and research. The urology team is active in clinical and basic science research, including studies for Peyronie’s disease, hypogonadism, enlarged prostate and the effects of radical prostatectomy on the return of male sexual function. The team is also participating in an NIH grant to study the cell and molecular basis for smooth muscle function in the lower urogenital system.