The University of Michigan Department of Urology is consistently named the top urology program in Michigan and one of the top 15 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Since 1920, we’ve provided comprehensive, compassionate care for adult and pediatric patients with urologic disorders. And we perform a high volume of robotic-assisted urologic surgeries – the most minimally invasive option with the best outcomes and fastest recovery times.

When it comes to crucial research in the area of urology, we are highly ranked in National Institutes of Health funding nationwide – a huge vote of confidence that our work and our methods make a difference.

More than 20 urologists, scientists and other physicians form our faculty, offer specialized care in:

• Bladder function and incontinence
• Prosthetic devices
• Male impotence and infertility
• Prostate hyperplasia (building extra cells in the organ or tissue)
• Urinary stones
• Cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidneys and testes

Our full-service male infertility clinic is operated in close conjunction with the Gynecology/Reproductive Endocrinology department. Couples with infertility issues undergo both medical and anatomic evaluations, with the goal of finding a successful treatment for their infertility as a couple.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Options for Faster Recovery

In our Michigan Center for Minimally Invasive Urology, we use the newest laparoscopic procedures to address renal, ureteral and oncologic problems through small punctures rather than large open incisions. Our Center combines the newest endoscopic, extracorporeal (a procedure performed outside the body), laparoscopic and microsurgical treatments.

Robotic surgery uses slender telescope-like instruments placed through small incisions as opposed to a large incision that is typical in an open surgery. The surgeon controls the robot from a console next to the patient where the operating field can be viewed in three dimensions. This type of technology, which acts as an extension of the surgeon’s hands, allowing for more accurate surgery with better outcomes, less pain, less risk of wound infection, less blood loss, less scarring and faster recovery time.

Our robotic surgery team is made up of 5 urologic oncologists and 1 urologist, all specializing in robotic surgery. We perform more than 350 robotic-assisted surgeries each year for cancerous and non-cancerous conditions including:

• Prostatectomy – removing the entire prostate for men who have prostate cancer. Good for preservation of erectile function after surgery
• Cystectomy – removing the entire bladder, prostate and lymph nodes for men or women with bladder cancer
• Partial nephrectomy – removing just the cancer from the kidney and leaving the healthy kidney behind
• Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection – removing the lymph nodes behind the stomach for men with testicular cancer, who are at risk for cancer spreading to this area
• Vesicovaginal fistula repair – repairs continuous leakage of urine in women, called a fistula, which can happen when a passage has formed between the vagina and the urinary tract
• Sacrospinous suspension – suturing the end of the vagina to the sacrum to help suspend the vagina, for women with pelvic organ prolapse  (occurs when any of the organs in the pelvic region: bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum drop below their normal position)

Take the Next Step

Schedule an appointment by calling us at 734-936-7030