NYU Medical Center Urology Associates
Clinical Practice
Clinical practice is based on the academic program model--an interdisciplinary
group of physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals providing highly
specialized, state-of-the-art care for all urological problems --with the goals
of maximizing quality of care. NYU Urology Associates have pioneered numerous
advances in the surgical and pharmacological treatment of urological disease.
Research: the Basis of Advanced Care
All NYU Urology Associates are actively engaged in both clinical and laboratory
research. NIH funding for NYU urological research is among the highest for a
urology department in the nation. To assure the continued cross-fertilization
of research and practice, the development of leading edge scientific
breakthroughs, basic scientists with primary academic appointments in the
department explore research and care concerns with the Urology Associates.
These scientists are engaged in research that focuses on the molecular
pharmacology of the prostate, mechanisms of prostatic growth, and molecular
mechanisms of urinary tract infections and bladder cancer.
Education: the Wellspring of Knowledge
The Department of Urology sponsors a fully accredited 4-year residency training
program. Medical students actively participate in the clinical and research
programs. The department sponsors an annual postgraduate course that is
attended by practicing urologists throughout the country. The academic faculty
promotes education by serving as visiting professors, lecturing at national and
international organizations and medical societies, and by preparing educational
material for the lay community.
UROLOGY PROGRAMS OF EXCELLENCE
Urological care programs are located primarily at Tisch Hospital, an
internationally recognized tertiary care medical center. The eight Programs
with their Directors are:
| Prostate Program | Herbert Lepor, M.D. & Christopher Dixon, M.D. |
|---|---|
| Urological Cancer Program | Herbert Lepor, M.D. |
| Female Urology and Incontinence Program | Victor Nitti, M.D. |
| Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery Program | Michael Grasso, M.D. |
| Pediatric Urology and Reconstructive Surgery Program | Ellen Shapiro, M.D. |
| Kidney Stone Prevention and Treatment Program | Michael Grasso, M.D. |
| Male Sexual Health Program | Andrew McCullough, M.D. |
| Male Fertility Program | Andrew McCullough, M.D. |
The Prostate Program, under the direction of Herbert Lepor, M.D.and Christopher Dixon, M.D., is committed to the development of innovative medical and surgical therapies for benign prostatic disease. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause of voiding dysfunction in male patients over the age of 40. When medical therapy of BPH is not indicated or ineffective, surgical intervention is required. A variety of minimally invasive surgical techniques are also offered in the program. The program offers a comprehensive prostate evaluation, laser prostatectomy, and vaporization prostatectomy, as well as investigational medications for BPH.
The Urological Cancer Program is also under the direction of Dr. Herbert Lepor.
The program's philosophy is to "aggressively treat and cure urologic cancers
while maintaining the highest quality of life." Since treatment of cancer
often requires multidisciplinary efforts, NYU urologists work closely with
medical oncologists and radiotherapists. Cancers of the prostate, bladder, and
kidney are the most common malignancies treated in the program. Treatment is
tailored to each patient's priorities and objectives. Among the aims of the
program are preserving erectile function after radical prostate cancer surgery,
creating continent neobladders in combination with cystectomy for bladder
cancer, and preserving male fertility after retroperitoneal lymph node
dissections for testicular cancer.
Dr. Lepor was one of the key investigators involved in the development of nerve-sparing retropubic prostatectomy, a technique that preserves sexual function while curing prostate cancer by complete removal of the malignancy.
Dr. Lepor has performed more than 400 such operations. His results in terms of
retained continence and potency, operative complications, and length of
hospitalization are among the best in the nation.
The Female Urology and Incontinence Center is under the direction of Victor Nitti, M.D. Incontinence is a socially embarrassing and often debilitating problem that may reflect a number of treatable urologic disorders. The causes of incontinence in men and women can be identified by innovative diagnostic modalities, including video-urodynamics.
The Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery Program is under the direction of Michael Grasso, M.D. This clinical program is committed to the development of new technologies which treat even the most complex upper urinary tract disorders more effectively and less invasively. One example of a new modality pioneered by this program is high-frequency diagnostic intraluminal ultrasound to define the cause of ureteral obstruction.
Specialized tools developed by Dr. Grasso are used to treat ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstructions, ureteral stricture disease, and transitional cell cancers of the upper urinary tract. Cancers of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as UPJ obstructions and ureteral strictures are managed without an incision. Hospitalization time, recuperation time, and cost of treatment are greatly reduced.
The Pediatric Urology and Reconstructive Surgery Program is under the direction of Ellen Shapiro, M.D. Urologic diseases of childhood differ from those of adults in many respects, often requiring specialized diagnostic studies and treatments. A pediatric urology team and an office environment oriented toward the special needs of children can manage such disorders as undescended testes, hypospadias, ureterovesicle reflux, urologic aspects of myelodysplasia, and prenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract. Current research in this program includes the study of childhood urinary tract infections, antenatal (before birth) diagnosis and treatment, and the pathological, morphological, and molecular mechanisms that can cause pediatric urological disorders.
The Kidney Stone Prevention and Treatment Program is also under the direction of Dr. Michael Grasso. The innovative technologies applied to management of kidney stones in this program include ultrasound directed extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and complementary endoscopic treatments that employ the smallest diameter endoscopes and laser lithotriptors. Current areas of research include the study of mechanical and Holmium laser lithotriptors and new imaging techniques to locate hidden stones. This program is taking part in multicenter trials to define the best therapy for a given kidney stone. Dr. Grasso directs an active metabolic stone service as part of the program, with an emphasis on preventing recurrence of stones and preserving kidney function.
The Male Sexual Health Program is under the direction of Andrew McCullough, M.D., Assistant Professor of Urology. Dr. McCullough is a member of the American Society of Andrology, The Society for the Study of Male Reproduction, and the Society of Sex Therapy and Research. This program uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of male sexual dysfunction. A multi-disciplinary approach is the mainstay of diagnosis and treatment in this program. Patients and their partners are referred to qualified mental health professionals and sex therapists, when necessary. The importance of treating the "couple" is emphasized, encouraging the involvement of both the patient and partner in resolving the problems. State of the art testing is available to evaluate underlying causes of impotence. Dr. McCullough is currently investigating new and established pharmacological and surgical therapies for erectile dysfunction. The Center is one twenty five sites in the U.S. investigating a promising "pill" to treat erectile dysfunction.
The Male Fertility Program is also under the direction of Dr. McCullough. The inability to initiate pregnancy is related to male factors in 40% of infertile couples. Working closely with the NYU In Vitro Fertilization Unit and the Genetics Department, this center strives to discover and treat the specific etiologies of male infertility. Microsurgical techniques are used for vasectomy reversal and varicocele repair. Dr. McCullough is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Resolve Organization. The field of infertility has advanced dramatically over the past decade. The Male Fertility Center keeps pace with these technological advances. Collaborating with the IVF Center, Dr. McCullough can microsurgically harvest the sperm from the male testis or epididymis so that the IVF embryology team can then directly inject the sperm into the egg. This exciting advanced assisted reproductive technique is used in patients who may not have any sperm in their ejaculate, patients who in the past had no chance of ever having their own children.
Christopher Dixon, M.D., Assistant Professor of Urology and Co-Director of the Prostate Program, has pioneered the investigation of both the medical and surgical treatment of BPH. Dr. Dixon has been an invited visiting professor and taught courses in the surgical treatment of BPH throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and South America. Dr. Dixon is an international leader in the development of advanced endoscopic therapies for BPH, including laser prostatectomy, radiowave therapy, and electrovaporization therapy. He is also an expert in other causes of lower urinary tract obstruction, including urethral stricture disease and prostatitis. The goal of minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Dixon says, is to achieve the maximum therapeutic effectiveness without significant adverse effects.
Victor Nitti, M.D. Assistant Professor of Urology, is an authority in urodynamic techniques and in medical and surgical therapies for incontinence. Dr. Nitti offers contigen injections, innovative pharmacological approaches, and, if necessary, surgical treatment including artificial urinary sphincters to manage incontinence. Dr. Nitti is a nationally recognized reconstructive surgeon and an emerging leader in the field of female urology. He has published scientific research and presented it at national and international meetings. Dr. Nitti has been an invited visiting professor and has participated in postgraduate instructional courses throughout the United States
Ellen Shapiro, M.D. Professor of Urology, is a recognized leader in the study of pediatric and neonatal urologic diseases. She has published a wide range of original scientific studies on these diseases and has presented her research at many national and international meetings. She has won seven major awards in urologic research, including the prestigious Francis F. Schwenker Award in laboratory research and First Prize in the national American Urological Association laboratory research competition. Dr. Shapiro combines a compassionate and caring clinical approach to complex childhood diseases with the most advanced surgical and medical therapies
Michael Grasso, M.D., Associate Professor of Urology, is an internationally recognized innovator in the field of minimally invasive surgery. He as written widely on laparoscopic surgery and upper urinary tract endoscopy, and has presented more than 90 scientific papers at national and international meetings. Dr. Grasso has taught the techniques of minimally invasive surgery in 37 courses for urologists at and has been an invited visiting professor at university centers throughout the United States, Europe, in Asia, and Australia. Dr. Grasso is currently developing minimally invasive devices and techniques for diagnosis and treatment of many urologic disorders. Dr. Grasso recently performed the first laparoscopic nephrectomy, removal of the kidney without an incision, at NYU Medical Center. Dr. Grasso is a member of the American Urological Association's Stone Disease Committee, established to set treatment guidelines for urologists who care for patients with kidney stones.
Andrew McCullough, M.D., Assistant Professor of Urology, is a member of the American Society of Andrology, the Society of Sex Therapy and Research, the American Fertility Society, and the Resolve Organization. Dr. McCullough is investigating new and established pharmacologic and surgical therapies for erectile dysfunction. The Program is one of a select group of programs in the United States investigating a promising new "pill" to treat impotence.
Location:
Ultramodern new Faculty Practice Offices suites are located in NYU Medical
Center at 540 First Avenue in Manhattan --10R, between 31 and 32nd Streets.
Managed Care :
Urology Associates is pleased to participate in a variety of managed care
plans. Please call the office for details of plan participation.
Medicare:
NYU Urology Associates accept Medicare assignments.
Payment:
Visa, Mastercard, and personal checks are accepted. Payment is expected at the
time of service but special arrangements, if made in advance, may be granted
upon request.
Physician Consultation:
For general practitioners or urologists, NYU Urology Associates will ensure the
opportunity to discuss your patient via telephone.
| Emergencies: |
|---|
| A NYU Urology Associate is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency call 212-263-6420 and ask for the NYU Urology Associate on call. A urology resident may also be reached through the Tisch Hospital paging system at 212-263-7411 |