Reconstructive Urology

Reconstructive Urology at UVM Health

Injuries or conditions affecting the urinary tract or genital area can make urination and sexual function difficult and painful. If medications or other conservative treatments don’t provide relief, your provider may recommend reconstructive surgery.

At University Vermont Health, our reconstructive urology team repairs and restores function to the genitourinary tract. This area includes the urinary tract (bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra) and some reproductive organs (penis, prostate, testicles and vagina).

Our board-certified surgeons provide leading-edge care in a caring, sensitive environment. We listen to you carefully to understand what an improved quality of life means for you. We combine the latest research with advanced technology to deliver precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the region’s leading providers of reconstructive urology services, we offer:

Advanced techniques: Our team specializes in the latest surgical advancements, including minimally invasive robotic surgery for many genitourinary conditions. Minimally invasive surgery usually leads to a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery time.
Highly trained specialists: Our team includes board-certified reconstructive urologists with fellowship training in complex surgical techniques. When necessary, our urologists collaborate with other specialists in fields like oncology, gynecology, gastroenterology and plastic surgery for a comprehensive approach to your care.
Leading-edge care: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts.

This appointment was very helpful. I left feeling better about my situation, because I had more information and more confidence in my treatment plan.

UVM Health Patient

Conditions We Treat

Reconstructive urologic surgery can treat or alleviate symptoms of a wide range of genitourinary conditions, including:

Buried penis: The penis is hidden under nearby skin.
Complications from prior treatments: These can include surgeries or cancer treatments.
Congenital conditions: Some conditions are present from birth.
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia): The prostate has become bigger and blocks urine flow.
Erectile dysfunction (ED): The inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Incontinence: A lack of control of urination.
Neurologic conditions: Reconstructive urology can relieve conditions from multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and spinal cord injury.
Pelvic organ prolapse: Organs in the pelvis drop down from their original positions into the vagina.
Peyronie’s disease: Scar tissue in the penis causes curved, occasionally painful erections.
Traumatic injury: These can be from blunt trauma (a blow to the body) or penetrating trauma (a bullet or stab wound).
Strictures (narrowing) and obstructions: The flow of urine through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) is blocked.
Urinary fistulas: Irregular openings or connections between the genitourinary tract organs can cause urination difficulties.

What to Expect

When you come to a UVM Health reconstructive urologist for a consultation, you’ll receive a thorough physical examination. Your provider will also ask about your medical history, including any other treatments you’ve tried for your condition. You may undergo additional tests to help confirm a diagnosis.

Our reconstructive urologic team holds advanced training in all aspects of urologic surgery, including:

Corrective procedures: Providers can repair areas affected by trauma, obstructions, prior surgery or cancer treatment.
Minimally invasive techniques: Laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery can offer a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.
Prosthetic urology devices: Implantable devices include artificial sphincters, urethral slings, bladder stimulators and penile implants.

As a health system anchored by an academic medical center, we also have access to clinical trials that offer emerging therapies. Participating in a clinical trial is entirely voluntary and can give you access to new care methods years before they are widely available. If you are eligible for a specific trial, your provider will explain the benefits and risks of participating and the steps for enrollment.