Diagnosis and Treatment

A Multidisciplinary Approach
Urology patients at Greenwich Hospital are cared for by a team of specialists that includes experts in a variety of fields.  Members will vary according to the diagnosis and needs of the patient, and may include a gynecologist, endocrinologist, oncologist or radiologist. Psychiatry and social services may also be helpful to patients experiencing physical conditions that may affect their quality of life.

Diagnosing Conditions
Greenwich Hospital uses advanced technology to deliver a comprehensive array of diagnostic services to identify urological problems. These Diagnostic tests may include:

• Noninvasive ultrasound.  A painless diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs without harm or exposure to radiation.
• Cystoscopy.  A procedure that allows the urologist to view the inside of the bladder and urethra by inserting a thin lighted tube through the urethra and into the bladder.
• Specialized X-ray A dye or other contrast agent is injected or given intravenously to improve visualization during these x-ray procedures.
• Biopsy.  Removal of a small amount of tissue for testing.  A specially designed needle is often used to biopsy the prostate or kidney. The needle is guided with ultrasound or special X-rays such as a CT scan. The bladder or urethra can be biopsied with endoscopes designed to pass through urine passageways.
• PSA Test.  A blood test that checks for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a tumor marker used for early detection of prostate cancer.

Treatment Options
Greenwich Hospital provides patients with a full range of treatment options, both nonsurgical and surgical.  Each patient is given a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that addresses specific issues.  Treatment options may range from a prescription for antibiotics to more complex procedures that may include surgery.

Greenwich Hospital surgeons use less invasive, innovative techniques to reduce recovery time and achieve the best possible outcomes. Depending on the patient’s condition, the following treatments may be used:

• Laser surgery for minimally invasive treatment of kidney stones
• Microwave thermotherapy or heat treatment for enlarged prostate
• Nerve sparing surgery for prostate conditions
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Cryotherapy for kidney cancer
• Urethral sling for female incontinence
• Lithotripsy for kidney stones