Urology

SERVICES

Dedicated Urology Care with Aiken Physicians Alliance

Urologists at Aiken Physicians Alliance provide care for patients who have disorders of the urinary tract or the male reproductive system. This system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra in both sexes, and the prostate, testicles and surrounding structures in men.

InterStim™ Center of Excellence

Darren J. Mack, MD, has been designated as an InterStim™ Center of Excellence by Medtronic for completing over 100 InterStim implants. The InterStim system is a system of bladder control therapy for patients who experience bladder control issues such as overactive bladder and non-obstructive urinary retention, and who may suffer from frequent trips to the bathroom, as well as accidents.

Urologic Conditions We Treat

We are proud to offer advanced care for a wide range of urologic diseases and conditions.

Enlarged Prostate

Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men over 55. As the prostate enlarges, it can put pressure on the urethra and cause issues urinating.

Men with an enlarged prostate may experience symptoms including:

  • Frequent urination
  • Weak urinary stream
  • Dribbling of urine
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Trouble beginning to urinate

Prostate Cancer

More than 200,000 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The prostate gland is a small gland in the male reproductive system that produces the seminal fluid that transports sperm.

Prostate cancer occurs when a tumor forms in part of the prostate. Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly and men usually don’t show symptoms until an advanced stage.

Symptoms may include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Painful urination
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Blood in urine

If you are experiencing these symptoms, a urologist may perform a prostate biopsy. This biopsy will help your doctor determine if your symptoms are due to a tumor or are simply part of a different urology problem.

Urinary Incontinence

Undesired urinary leakage is a common urinary problem for both men and women. Many times, the condition indicates the urethra is unable to close completely. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and underlying cause of incontinence.

Treatment options may include:

  • Medical therapy
  • Minimally invasive procedures, such as the injection of collagen
  • Surgical approaches

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Kidney stones are sharp growths that can develop for a variety of reasons.

Most types of kidney stones can pass through the body unnoticed. However, they can cause severe pain if they grow large enough. In these cases, they can block the flow of urine and create larger issues. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a kidney stone, no matter how small.

A lack of fluids in the body is the most common cause of kidney stones. Other factors can put you at greater risk of kidney stones. Risk factors include diet choices, certain medical conditions and some medications. Talk to your doctor today about knowing the causes and preventing kidney stones.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvic organs weaken or break. When this happens, the uterus, bladder or rectum can lose elasticity and descend or bulge into the vagina. This can cause pressure in the lower abdomen, urinary or fecal incontinence, constipation and diminished sexual function.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when part of the urinary system becomes infected. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Urinary tract infections usually occur when bacteria enters the urine or urinary tract through the urethra. The bacteria then begin to multiply inside the bladder.

Although the urinary system is designed to keep bacteria out, these defenses can fail. When that happens, bacteria can take over and turn into an infection inside of the urinary tract. Most of these infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the urethra. In general, women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men.

Urological Cancers

Our urologists provide care for all types of urological cancers, including prostate, kidney, bladder, adrenal and testicular cancer. Treatment options for urological cancers include surgery, radiation therapy or careful observation.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is most common in people over the age of 50. Risk factors include genetic conditions, obesity and smoking. Many kidney tumors do not produce symptoms.

However, people with kidney cancer may experience the following symptoms:

  • Blood in their urine
  • A lump in the abdomen
  • Sudden/dramatic weight loss
  • Pain in the side or lower back
  • Loss of appetite.

Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. If necessary, the affected kidney may be removed.

Bladder Cancer

Men are diagnosed with bladder cancer two to three times more often than women, according to the National Cancer Institute. Risk factors include smoking cigarettes, increasing age, exposure to certain chemicals and a family history of bladder cancer.

People with bladder cancer may notice blood in their urine or experience frequent or painful urination. Symptoms may present similarly to a bladder infection. Surgery is the most common treatment for bladder cancer while other options include immunotherapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Testicular Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, the rate of testicular cancer in the United States has increased over the last several decades. Fortunately, testicular cancer is often treatable and curable with early detection and treatment. Many treatment options are available including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

  • Painless lumps or swelling in one of the testicles
  • Pain or discomfort in the scrotum
  • Lower back pain
  • Dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen

Contact Us

View our locations throughout Aiken, South Carolina, or book an appointment with one of our physicians. Also, download new patient forms or visit the Patient Portal.