The growth in the volume of renal surgeries and cystectomies performed at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center suggests that the comprehensive genitourinary oncological initiative is resonating with our patients and referring physicians.
Our high-risk bladder cancer quality improvement study demonstrates that the Section of Urology can provide timely consultation and treatment to a population of patients whose prognosis is dependent on speedy intervention.
Caring for your urology patient
With three experienced laparoscopic surgeons, the Section of Urology remains on the forefront of the minimally invasive approach to the treatment of genitourinary malignancies and benign disorders of the upper urinary tract.
- Our faculty provide state-of-the-art surgical care to prostate cancer patients with the aid of the da Vinci robotic surgical platform. Most nephrectomies and nephron-sparing nephrectomies are now performed with the aid of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques.
- The PSA/prostate biopsy clinic and the metabolic stone clinic are examples of interdisciplinary endeavors providing "one stop consultative and diagnostic shopping" for men with elevated PSAs and abnormal digital rectal examinations and individuals with complex stone disease. The Section has recently inaugurated a dedicated hematuria clinic, streamlining the diagnostic approach to a common urologic complaint.
- The Minimally Invasive Ablative Therapy Program for solid renal masses, operated in conjunction with the Section of Interventional Radiology, offers radiofrequency and cryoablative energy programs for the treatment of renal lesions.
- In an effort to deliver patient-focused ambulatory service, we have developed a provider/nursing team model which personalizes and coordinates care while maintaining patient through-put.
Urology clinical interests
- Erectile dysfunction
- Female urology and urinary incontinence
- Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery
- Laser surgery for BPH
- Male infertility
- Pediatric urology
- Reconstructive Urology, including urethral stricture disease
- Stone disease
- Urologic oncology, including laparoscopic prostatectomy
Urology education
In 2011, we transitioned to a 5-year urologic residency, one which emphasizes the clinical strengths of the Dartmouth program and allows us to build an educational program based on a core urological syllabus and a variety of clinical and research electives.
In the new block, senior residents rotate at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Concord Hospital, pediatric experience is solidified at the junior and senior levels, and our chief residents oversee 2 adult services at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.