How Does UroLift Procedure for BPH Work, According to Dr. David Harris?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • UroLift is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is the most common prostate problem faced by men over 50. It involves placing a small implant in the urethra to compress the tissue causing blockage, improving urine flow and urination patterns.
  • Compared to previous BPH treatments that required general anesthesia, caused irritation and inflammation, and had a long recovery time, UroLift is well tolerated by patients and has far fewer side effects.
  • UroLift does not cause sexual problems, which were a common side effect of previous BPH treatments. This allows sexually active men to treat their BPH without sacrificing their sex lives.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can be described as the blockage of urine as it tries to flow from the bladder, through the urethra, and out of the body. It occurs when an enlarged prostate begins to pinch the urethra, which is the tube that urine flows through as it leaves the bladder. The result is difficulty urinating, weak urine streams, and frequent urgent needs to urinate. BPH is the most common prostate problem faced by men over 50.

Dr. David Harris of Fort Myers, FLFortunately for men who suffer from BPH, medical progress is on their side. According to Dr. David S. Harris, “We now have new tools and less invasive ways of treating guys with blockage.” One of the tools he is referring to is called UroLift. This clever cutting-edge procedure is changing the way the condition is treated and how men live post-BPH.

Before UroLift, in order to open the channel in the urethra a scope would be inserted through the penis to cut and remove tissue from the blocked channel. In other instances, urologists would use a heat method to destroy prostate tissue. Although this procedure would decrease the size of the prostate to relieve pressure on the channel, it required general anesthesia and resulted in a great deal of irritation and inflammation, as well a long recovery time.

UroLift has replaced these invasive procedures. UroLift is a small implant that is placed in the urethra and compresses the tissue that is causing the blockage, opening the channel for the flow of urine. This new implant dramatically improves the strength of urine flow. It also helps create normal patterns of urination, thereby stopping the frequent, strong urges to urinate. It brings men back to normal.

The UroLift procedure is minimally invasive and is well tolerated by patients. Another huge benefit is that UroLift has far fewer side effects than previous BPH procedures. One of the main negative side effects of previous BPH treatments was that they caused sexual problems by affecting a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection for intercourse. Thanks to UroLift, sexually active men do not have to choose between their sex lives and treating their BPH.

UroLift may be the best option for men who wish to take back their lives from the symptoms of BPH without resorting to an invasive procedure. Make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. David Harris or one of the many board certified urology specialists at Advanced Urology Insitute to find out if Urolift will work for you. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Insitute website.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is David Harris and I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute in Fort Myers. We now have tools that have progressed and we have different, less invasive ways of treating many of the guys with blockage. The most recent addition to our armamentarium is a procedure called Urolift and we are very excited to be able to offer Urolift because this is different.

Previously to open that channel there would be a procedure with a scope with the patient asleep and there would either be cutting of tissue in the channel or a heat destruction of prostate tissue and you can imagine that results in a lot of irritation, a lot of inflammation. So Urolift is very clever and the guys that designed this came up with the idea of using a small implant in the channel that compresses the lateral obstructing tissue and makes the channel more open and it is dramatically improving the force of the stream and the urinary pattern with a minimally invasive procedure that is well tolerated, fewer side effects than the medications that have been used, fewer side effects from the bigger operation and excellent outcomes.

Now one of the features, one of the issues that is striking about this is many of the medications that have been used for that will cause sexual problems, will affect the sex act and that also happens with the more significant surgery. It does not change erections and it does not change how a man ejaculates after surgery. So this is becoming very popular very quickly and many of the younger guys 50’s, 60’s that are sexually active that are having obstruction are no longer choosing the medications as the option to avoid surgery. They’re choosing Urolift so they don’t have to take medication, don’t have the side effects. So it’s dramatic.

REFERENCES:

What is the Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction, According to Dr. Harris?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that can result from both mental and physical factors, such as depression, anxiety, stress, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and substance abuse.
  • Certain risk factors, including heart disease, diabetes, tobacco use, drug and alcohol use, and being overweight or obese, increase the likelihood of developing ED.
  • Urologists can diagnose ED through a physical exam and questioning, and treatment options typically start with oral medications, followed by injections if medications prove ineffective.

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is the inability of a man to get or maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse. ED is a very common issue that can negatively affect a man’s self-confidence and his relationship with his partner. Many men see urologists for help with ED when this happens.

Dr. David Harris of Fort Myers, FLThe primary symptom of ED is trouble getting and maintaining an erection, and reduced sexual desire is often associated with it. There are many factors that can cause ED, and they can be divided into two categories: mental and physical. Depression, anxiety and stress are mental factors that can cause ED. There are also physical factors, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and substance abuse. There are plenty of cases when it is a combination of mental and physical factors that cause ED.

All men are at risk for erectile dysfunction; however, there are some factors that increase the likelihood of developing it. Heart disease and diabetes are key risk factors that increase the likelihood of ED. Tobacco use causes damage to arteries, restricting blood flow and raising the chances of ED. Drug and alcohol use are risk factors as well. Men who are overweight, and especially those who are obese, are also at greater risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

A urologist can diagnose ED by performing a physical exam and asking a few questions. Once diagnosed, urologists can consider a variety of options for treatment, depending on the patient. The first option is usually oral medication. Urologists will try different medications to help patients maintain erections. If none are effective, then the urologist may prescribe injections. Small injections can be made to the shaft of the penis that dilate the blood vessels in the penis, allowing better blood flow and erections. The patient can administer these injections himself as needed.

Erectile dysfunction is not uncommon and as Dr. David Harris says about treating it, “As urologists, we are the leading authority.” Urologists see cases of ED on a daily basis and are accustomed to having conversations about it and finding the best way to solve the issue with their patients. In most cases a patient who is motivated to work with his urologist on finding the best treatment will eventually find a solution that works. The Advanced Urology Institute helps many patients explore their options and treat their ED so they can continue their normal lives and activities. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is David Harris and I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute in Fort Myers. That’s very common. And I think one reason men come into us is I think they understand that as urologists we’re the authority. And we have the literature, we have the established urological associations, understanding and framework from which to address this. And you’ll find ads in the paper, ads on the radio, a lot of quick easy ways to treat this. And patients come to us because they want to know that it’s safe and that they’re going to get an expert to tell them what to do. So yes, we see a lot of patients, it’s a daily thing, and I see in this day and age men much more comfortable coming in the office and saying, you know, Doc, I need a little help. You know, I’m not terrible, but I’m not where I was. Please help me with erections. And I think if you look back 15 years ago, there was less of that. So I think men are much more comfortable coming in and talking about it. And we have a variety of options. Okay. And that’s the same kind of thing. You have to talk to that patient about what their comfort level is, and their health issues, and help define for them the way you want to approach that. I think a fair statement, it doesn’t mean everybody’s got a fix for everything. But I think a guy that is very motivated can find an option to treat ED that will be successful.

REFERENCES:

Kidney Stones: Who is at Risk

Kidney stones are a common medical issue that arises when hard deposits of minerals form in the kidney and can affect the urinary tract. These stones can cause severe pain in the abdomen and groin, nausea, and pain during urination. Kidney stones have no single or set cause. Anyone is at risk of developing kidney stones at some point in life.

Dr. David Harris of Fort Myers, FLAlthough anyone can develop stones, there are certain factors that can indicate who gets them and how they occur. As urologist Dr. David S. Harris states, “There are certain features of a person’s stone history that are predictors to us if they’re going to have more stones.” A patient suffering from kidney stones will want to consult a urologist to see what can be done to limit the chances of developing kidney stones in the future.

A urologist may want to do a urine or blood analysis to see if there are any reasons for a patient to develop kidney stones. A urologist also may want to address some common risk factors for kidney stones. For instance, dehydration is a very common cause of kidney stones. For this reason, people who live in warm climates and are at greater risk of dehydration are also at greater risk of developing kidney stones. A urologist may recommend that someone living in a warm climate like Florida drink plenty of fluids every day.

People with diets high in salt, protein and sugar are also at increased risk of developing kidney stones. Too much salt especially increases the amount of calcium a person’s kidneys must filter, increasing the chances of stone development. Obesity also increases the risk of developing kidney stones, so weight management is something a urologist will strongly recommend if that is a factor.

Beside dehydration and dietary choices, genetics can play an important role in an individual’s risk of developing kidney stones. If someone in your family has kidney stones, then you are more likely to develop them as well. And once you develop kidney stones you are at a greater chance of developing stones in the future. For this reason, in addition to adjustments in water intake and diet, urologists sometimes will recommend medications.

Just because someone has had kidney stones before doesn’t mean they will have to suffer with them the rest of their lives. At the Advanced Urology Institute, doctors work with their patients to find and correct root causes for kidney stones. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

How Does Dr. David Harris Diagnose & Treat Bladder Cancer?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Bladder cancer diagnosis typically begins with identifying blood in the urine, followed by further urinalysis tests, x-rays, and a bladder exam. Most tumors found in the bladder are non-invasive and highly treatable.
  • Treatment plans for bladder cancer often involve surgical intervention, radiation, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) may be necessary.
  • The prognosis for patients with bladder cancer is generally good, with a 5-year survival rate of 77% and a 15-year survival rate of 65%. Patients may need ongoing regular treatment and should keep all follow-up appointments.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you probably have a lot of questions. The physicians at Advanced Urology Institute are experts in treating this type of cancer and will be there to guide you from diagnosis to recovery.

How Is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?

One of the most common signs of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. You may notice this at home on your own, or a doctor might notice trace amounts during routine urine testing. The doctor will be able to determine if further testing is necessary, the next round of which includes more urinalysis tests, x-rays and a bladder exam.

Urologist Dr. David Harris of Fort Myers, FLDr. David Harris with AUI Fort Myers explains, “If we find a tumor, that tumor would be removed from inside the bladder and biopsied.” Dr. Harris reassures patients that most tumors found in the bladder are non-invasive and highly treatable.

How Is Bladder Cancer Treated?

Surgical intervention is used in most treatment plans for bladder cancer, either alone or along with another form of treatment. For patients whose tumors have grown into the muscle of their bladder, radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) may be necessary. This procedure may also be recommended for patients who have a fast-growing tumor in the early stages of bladder cancer to prevent a future recurrence. Radiation and chemotherapy are often part of the treatment, especially for patients who are in the later stages of bladder cancer.

What Is The Prognosis For Patients With Bladder Cancer?

Compared to other cancers, the prognosis for patients with bladder cancer is good. The general 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer patients is 77 percent; the 15-year survival rate is 65 percent. Patients may need ongoing regular treatment to keep the cancer in check. It is important to keep all follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and make sure the cancer has not returned. Patients who have undergone a cystectomy will be fitted with a device to help them urinate; the exact solution varies depending on the type of surgery performed, but patients are commonly fitted with a urostomy bag. Although this does introduce new challenges, patients are able to resume most normal daily routines and enjoy a high quality of life.

Whatever your diagnosis, remember that you are not alone in your journey to recovery. Dr. Harris reassures patients that at AUI, “we’re trying to preserve bladders, trying to minimize problems with quality of life.” For more information on how our team of urology experts can help, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is David Harris and I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute in Fort Myers. So if a patient comes to us with blood in the urine, and there may be blood that the patient sees, it also may be blood discovered on urine testing, then we’re able to tell by looking at those test results, does that patient need to be worked up for this? And there’s an evaluation that includes urine testing, x-ray imaging, CAT scans, and cystoscopy, which is an exam of the bladder. And if we find a tumor, that tumor would be not just biopsied, but removed from inside the bladder. And most bladder cancers that we find are lower grade and what we call non-invasive. These are tumors of the lining, and fortunately there are good treatments for those. And what we’re doing for those is instilling into the bladder medications that have a good efficacy rate to treat those. So we’re trying to preserve bladders, trying to minimize problems with quality of life, and depending on the different tumor findings, there’s different agents we use and we need to match up the right patient with the right treatment.

REFERENCES:

Prostate Cancer Treatment: How to Choose What’s Best for You

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men. The prostate is a small gland, similar in shape to a walnut, that produces the seminal fluid that helps transport sperm. Although anyone can get prostate cancer, it becomes more common as men age.

It can be difficult to detect prostate cancer as it has little to no symptoms in its early stages. For this reason, it is important for men to have their prostate routinely checked by their doctor. Only after the cancer advances do symptoms occur like trouble urinating, blood in semen, bone pain, erectile dysfunction and discomfort in the pelvic area.

Advanced Urology Institute Doctor: Dr. David HarrisSome prostate cancers grow slowly and, in some cases, need little to no treatment. Other cancers can be aggressive and spread quickly. It is important to see your urologist often to monitor your cancer, as the best treatment for you will depend on the type of prostate cancer you have and how it reacts to treatment.

Treatments for prostate cancer vary depending on multiple factors. Urologists will look at a patient’s age, health and the type of prostate cancer when deciding on the best treatment. In a healthy young patient, a urologist may recommend robotic surgery or a radical prostatectomy. These are well-tested and invasive treatments that can produce very good outcomes.

For patients who may be a little older and not in the best of health, radiation therapy may be their best option. Having access to quality radiation therapy can be a game changer in prostate cancer treatment and can create excellent outcomes. It also will be easier on a patient with other health issues.

There are also newer advances that can be used to treat prostate cancer. For example, cryotherapy uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy cancerous tissues in the prostate by freezing them. Another example is HIFU therapy. This stands for stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound and uses an intense ultrasound, focused on the prostate, to treat the cancer and is minimally invasive.

Prostate cancer is a serious and often frightening prospect. Many men will suffer from this cancer, but they are not alone. Along with their urologist, men can combat their cancer in a way that produces the best outcomes. Dedicated urologists, like David S. Harris, MD at Advanced Urology Institute, have an arsenal of treatment options and are ready to help men live healthy lives. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the clinical term for an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate presses on the urethra which passes through its middle. This causes difficulties with the passing of urine, such as urine retention, weak urine stream or a frequent and sudden urge to urinate. If left untreated, it may lead to urinary tract infections and bladder complications. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is not cancerous and it is normal for men over age 40 to start manifesting symptoms. The condition is highly treatable.

Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The treatment is determined by the age and general health of the patient, the size of the patient’s prostate and the severity of the symptoms. After making an evaluation based on those factors, a urologist will recommend either of the following options:

1. Oral Medication
Mild cases of benign prostate hyperplasia respond extremely well to medication. The available medication falls into two categories. There are alpha blockers that relax bladder and prostate muscles, making urination easier. The other choice may be the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to prevent hormonal changes that cause prostate enlargement. These work to gradually reduce the size of the prostate. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe both alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

2. Minimally invasive Procedures
The variety of treatment options that fall under minimally invasive procedures include:

  1. Laser therapy. This is where a high powered laser beam is used to destroy the excess prostatic tissue.
  2. Transurethral incision. With the help of a lighted scope inserted through the urethra, the surgeon makes two incisions on the prostate to ease the passage of urine.
  3. Transurethral resection. This one is administered in the same way as a transurethral incision, except the surgeon removes the inner tissue of the prostate and leaves just the outer parts.
  4. Prostatic Urethral Lift. This is a relatively new procedure. It involves placing small implants that lift and hold the excess prostatic tissue so it no longer presses on the urethra. This procedure is widely recommended because it eliminates the irritation or discomfort that may be caused by the other procedures that involve laser therapy or cutting tissue away.
  5. Open prostatic surgery. This option is used only where the prostate is very large or the symptoms are extremely severe. It is not commonly done.

When symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia begin to manifest, a patient should consult a urologist immediately so the condition can be managed well from the outset. There are many platforms for obtaining more information and help, such as the Advanced Urology Institute. At Advanced Urology Institute, a team of experts can help with diagnosis and treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia and answer any questions you may have. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Recent Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment

 

Prostate cancer is cancer of the gland that produces seminal fluid for the nourishment of sperm. Some cases are slow developing and do not affect the patient significantly. These can be managed by watchful waiting and constant monitoring. Others are aggressive and must be addressed immediately. As with most cancers, early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment.

Developments in the treatment of prostate cancer

1. Multiparametric MRI (MpMRI) in diagnosis

Determining which cancer is life threatening and which one is not is a critical issue. In order to carry out a more efficient diagnosis, doctors now are using an MRI guided biopsy instead of the more traditional transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy. The MpMRI provides better results determining if the prostate is infected and if the cancer has spread outside the prostate. It can help a doctor decide whether or not a patient should undergo a biopsy. And the MpMRI can be used to monitor the cancer growth, making it a very useful tool when watchful waiting is adopted.

2. Use of immunotherapy in treatment

Until recently, it was thought that immunotherapy was ineffective against prostate cancer. Prostate cancer treatment was primarily limited to surgery, hormone therapy and radiotherapy. In recent years, however, researchers have found that immunotherapy, specifically a drug called pembrolizumab, may be effective in treating aggressive cases of prostate cancer that have advanced beyond the other forms of treatment.

3. Robotic surgery

Like most other areas of surgery, the treatment of prostate cancer has benefited from the use of robotic or the da vinci surgical system that is guided by a surgeon operating from a console. Patients who undergo prostatectomy to remove the prostate may avoid open surgery by opting for robotic surgery. Benefits of robotic surgery include reduced bleeding, reduced pain, low risk of post surgery infections and fast recovery rates.

Medical advancements have improved cancer treatment outcomes and changed lives for the better. At Advanced Urology Institute, the team of specialists uses the latest techniques and technology for treating prostate cancer. They are available to offer consultation, diagnosis and treatment best suited for the individual patient.

For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

What Urology Procedures and Treatment are Performed at AUI?

 

Advanced Urology Institute offers a wide-range of services to prevent, diagnose, treat and care for patients with different urological conditions. Our team of urologists are surgical and medical specialists who treat patients dealing with urinary incontinence, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction, premature ejaculation, urethral stones, pelvic floor problems, kidney, prostate and bladder cancer, kidney transplants, vasectomies and traumatic urinary tract injuries. We are involved in the assessment of the structure, function and problems of the prostate, kidney, bladder, testes, penis, urethra and their associated glands.

A typical day at AUI

The consultations each day range from patients with voiding and sexual difficulties to victims of knife and gun violence with injuries to their genitourinary organs. We document and review the medical histories of these patients, order appropriate diagnostic tests, such as the PSA for screening prostate cancer, interpret results of the tests, make accurate diagnosis and develop individualized treatment plans. We typically use a wide range of equipment and instruments, including radiographic (X-ray) machines, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, fluoroscopes, catheters, cystoscopes, radium emanation tubes, and diathermy machines.

We administer treatment depending on the type of condition, severity of symptoms, area affected and patient preferences. Routinely, we perform brachytherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), photodynamic therapy, laser-based procedures, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, robot-assisted surgery and abdominal, pelvic and retroperitoneal surgery. We also may prescribe medication for certain conditions or recommend lifestyle and behavioral changes to improve treatment outcomes.

Treating kidney and urethral stones

For patients who come to our emergency department with excruciating flank pain or stone-related pain, we usually run various tests to diagnose the stone. A CT scan typically is used to confirm the presence, location and size of the stone. For small stones, patients are often discharged with pain medication and guided on fluid intake and what to do to ensure the stone is seamlessly passed. The patients also are given instructions on what to do with the stone once passed. For instance, we direct patients to bring the stones to AUI for analysis of chemical composition and determination of metabolic risk factors. With that information, we are able to recommend appropriate dietary measures for preventing stone recurrence, such as avoiding excess salt and animal protein and increasing fluid intake. For larger stones, we may opt to use more invasive treatments to break down or remove them from the urinary tract. The treatment approach depends on the type, size and location of the stone.

Prostate procedures

In men, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate-related conditions, such as BPH and prostate cancer, require various procedures. At AUI, we frequently administer the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test to assess if there is a prostate problem in men with urinary symptoms such as pelvic pain, voiding problems and blood in urine. Through PSA screening, we are able to reduce the likelihood of advanced disease and the chances of prostate cancer death. But to maximize the benefits of the test and prevent undue harm, we are always careful to use the test in the right patients and at the right time.

We often use rectal and prostate ultrasound to examine the shape and size of the prostate gland. When a tumor is suspected, we may pass a flexible cystoscope or use CT or MRI scan to assess the nature and extent of the malignancy. To check for abnormal prostate cells or confirm prostate cancer, a prostate biopsy is commonly the go-to procedure. During the procedure, the patient is placed under a local anesthetic. The doctor extracts systematic biopsy cores from the area with the suspicious lesion or growth and sends them to the laboratory for diagnosis. Once BPH or cancer has been confirmed, appropriate treatment such as brachytherapy, TURP (transurethral resection of prostate) or prostatectomy (via laparoscopy or robot-assisted surgery) is set up.

Fertility procedures

At AUI, we see patients with a broad range of fertility issues, including those who want to prevent pregnancy permanently and those who have difficulty becoming pregnant. For men who can’t ejaculate healthy sperm, we offer sperm retrieval procedures like surgical sperm extraction and sperm aspiration to harvest their healthy sperm from the testes. These procedures are usually carefully timed to coincide with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles or with the harvesting of the female partner’s eggs. And for men who can’t ejaculate because of spinal cord injuries and other problems, we offer procedures such as electro-ejaculation or the penile vibratory stimulation. The procedures use electro-stimulation and vibration to prompt ejaculation and enable collection of healthy sperm.

For patients who want to avoid pregnancy, we offer vasectomy and vasectomy reversal procedures. Conducted in the urologist’s office with only a local anesthetic, vasectomy is a quick, safe and effective way in which men can stop getting their partners pregnant. It is generally a permanent sterilization method and offers higher efficacy than tubal ligation performed in women. But for men who change their minds after they have undergone a vasectomy, we offer the reversal procedure as a way to try and restore fertility or to help a smaller fraction of men for whom vasectomy triggers ongoing pain.

Urologic oncology procedures

We have skilled and experienced oncologists at AUI who use a combination of equipment and procedures to diagnose and treat different urologic cancers. At AUI, our medical team offers a comprehensive assessment of all available cancer treatments and their expected outcomes, paving the way for their quick integration in our practice. For that reason, we are often the first cancer center in Florida to adopt the latest innovative cancer treatment and care approaches as soon as they are devised. When making cancer treatment decisions at AUI, urologists typically consider a number of psychological and clinical factors, including type and stage of the cancer, anticipated life expectancy, level of risk, overall health of the patient and personal preferences of the patient.

So whether we are dealing with kidney, prostate or bladder cancer, or with genital and pelvic cancers such as scrotal, penile and urethral malignancies, we ensure that the timing of treatment is just as precise and important as the treatment chosen. In some patients, we may opt for active surveillance (watchful waiting) to delay treatment and avoid related side-effects and risks. But to treat cancer, the options include local topical therapies, genital-preserving surgeries, genital reconstruction surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

Pediatric urology procedures

At AUI, we also offer treatment for a number of childhood conditions, particularly congenital ones. For example, children with undescended testes — where one or both testes haven’t descended into the scrotum — may benefit from our minimally-invasive robotic or laparoscopic procedures to correct the disorder. Surgery is our primary treatment option for most pediatric conditions and the da Vinci robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery have become the standards of care at AUI. The minimally-invasive approaches are preferred for children because they are generally less painful, come with a shorter hospital stay, and require a shorter recovery time. We also offer circumcision to children in their first few days after birth as an elective procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we offer multidisciplinary, patient-friendly, excellent urology care for our patients. So whether you are interested in seeing a urologist for conditions such as prostatitis, stress incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, recurrent urinary tract infection or urologic cancer, or for procedures like penile implant surgery, vasectomy and cystoscopy, you can rest assured of having a urologist you can trust at AUI. And we are not only focused on innovative, exceptional and superior treatments, services and outcomes, but also satisfactory patient experiences and sound, long-term patient-physician relationships. With our state-of-the-art facilities, advanced equipment, experienced medical professionals and a responsive, compassionate institutional culture, we guarantee top-notch, exceptional care to our patients in an environment where they feel comfortable and treasured.

For more information urological problems and how to prevent, diagnose and treat them, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

What is Dr. David Harris’ Journey to Becoming a Urologist?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. David Harris initially wanted to be a veterinarian, but discovered his passion for urology after realizing veterinary medicine wasn’t the right fit. He completed his medical education at Stritch Medical School, Loyola University, Chicago, and received training in urology at the Lahey Clinic.
  • With over two decades of experience, Dr. Harris has expertise in treating kidney disorders, kidney stones, and prostatic diseases, and has a keen interest in minimally invasive procedures such as laser surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and da Vinci robotic surgery.
  • Dr. Harris finds practicing urology at Advanced Urology Institute (AUI) rewarding because of the warm, collaborative environment, access to the latest medical and surgical equipment, and a focus on compassionate, multidisciplinary patient care

Urology is a constantly intriguing and gratifying specialty. With its many sub-specialties, innovative procedures and generally great outcomes for most patients, it offers the opportunity to improve human life while also genuinely enjoying what you do. As urologists, our job involves diagnosing and treating disorders of the genitourinary tract, including pelvic pain, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, male infertility and urologic cancers. It means that most of the time patients come to us feeling embarrassed, humiliated, troubled and hopeless and need not only to be treated but also to be reassured, motivated and encouraged to get back to their normal lives. It is a noble job, one that I really relish.

My path to urology

Growing up, I wanted to be a veterinarian. My dad was a veterinarian so I wanted to follow in his footsteps. However, everything changed when I was in college. I developed a dislike of working with all kinds of animals and quickly realized veterinary medicine wasn’t the field for me. I had to find a career that I was really interested in. Eventually that became medicine, and urology ultimately became the specialty that I preferred.

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois, then went to Stritch Medical School, Loyola University, Chicago, for my medical education. I finished my residency training in general surgery by joining the New England Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Surgical Service in Boston for three years. After that, I received my training in urology at the Lahey Clinic. I became a board-certified urologist with the American Board of Urology, a fellow of American College of Surgeons, and a member of Castle Connolly, prominent doctors chosen through peer reviews and physician-led research.

Areas of expertise

I have practiced urology for more than two decades tackling a wide range of issues and amassing a wealth of experience. I routinely see patients with issues such as recurrent urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, prostatitis, urinary incontinence, urinary stones, urethral strictures, testicular pain, erectile dysfunction and urologic cancers. But I have particular expertise in treating kidney disorders, kidney stones and prostatic diseases. I have a keen interest in minimally invasive procedures (such laser surgery, laparoscopic surgery and the da Vinci robotic surgery) that preserve renal tissue and minimize postoperative pain and recovery time.

Job satisfaction

Urology is really about helping people with distressing and debasing conditions to recover and enjoy normal lives. As a urologist you get to know your patients, address many kinds of patient issues, and establish an ongoing relationship with them. It is deeply satisfying to see patients who have come to you when in their lowest moments and to be able to help them progress and enjoy normal lives again. In fact, there is a unique sense of joy and gratification that comes with procedures that offer immediate relief to patients with agonizing urinary stones, embarrassing urinary incontinence and other uncomfortable conditions.

But you also feel profound satisfaction with every positive outcome realized in treating life-threatening urologic cancers or debilitating genitourinary problems. With urology, you can go home every day feeling happy and contented with the outcomes you’ve achieved for your patients. Besides, I enjoy being a urologist because the specialty is quite flexible and I can choose the extent to which I am busy every day.

Why Advanced Urology Institute?

AUI has just about everything a urologist requires to excel. The place is always warm and buzzing, with colleagues telling jokes or sharing delightful stories. It is such a relaxed and pleasant working environment that brings out the best from every one of us. The administrative duties have been centralized to enable physicians to concentrate on the most important task — delivering the best possible care to patients. We also have access to the latest medical and surgical equipment, regular opportunities to collaborate with other certified, knowledgeable and experienced professionals, and a thriving culture of compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to patient management. In a nutshell, it’s always wonderful practicing urology at AUI. For more information on the services offered at AUI, visit the “Advanced-Urology-Institute” site.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is David Harris and I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute in Fort Myers. I’m from suburban Chicago in the Midwest. My father was a veterinarian and I grew up with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. However, I found out in college as I was actually getting close to applying that I was allergic to many animals and had to have a rethinking of my career plans. So, I’m happy I went into medicine and I think within medicine I found the right niche in urology. 

I went to school through medical school in Chicago and then I trained in Boston in general surgery and urology and met my wife in Boston. We lived in New England for a while and we’ve now been in the south for about 20 years. I went to undergrad at the University of Illinois in Champaign. I did a medical school at Loyola in Chicago. I trained in general surgery at the Deaconess Program at Harvard Medical School and then I trained in urology at the Lahey Clinic in Boston.

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