The urologists at USC University Hospital (USCUH) evaluate and treat a broad range of disorders including impotence, interstitial cystitis, kidney stones, Peyronie's disease, prostate enlargement, prostatitis, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infections.

USC University Hospital physician's urologic specializations include, but are not limited to:

• Continent urinary diversion
• Electro-ejaculation
• General urology
• Kidney transplant
• Male sexual function
• Neurogenic bladder
• Lithotripsy for stone disease
• Incontinence

The Comprehensive Continence Program

The Comprehensive Continence Program at USC University Hospital was created to offer high quality personal care and education for people who suffer from incontinence. A team of experts on the treatments of various incontinence problems have joined together to provide patients with a comprehensive educational, treatment-based program. Physicians at the Comprehensive Continence Program at USCUH are specialists in identifying and correcting incontinence problems.

The Comprehensive Continence Program takes a multidisciplinary approach to incontinence, bringing together urologists, gynecologists, reconstructive surgeons, gerontologists and rehabilitation physicians. A commitment to innovation and excellence combined with ongoing research and teaching at the Keck School of Medicine of USC keep the doctors of the Comprehensive Continence Program among those at the forefront in their field.

Many factors can lead to the development of incontinence. Women who have had multiple childbirths or who are going through menopause are at risk. Men who have had prostate surgery may also be susceptible. Other causes include spinal cord injury, back injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Regardless of the cause of the condition, its effects may be significantly reduced or even eliminated with treatment.

Any form of incontinence is restrictive and can interfere with your enjoyment and quality of life. Understanding your specific form of incontinence is very important in order to identify the appropriate treatment for you.

Our specialists are here to serve both you and your primary care physician, acting as partners in your personal health care. If you would like to consult with one of our specialists, ask your doctor or call 1-888-700-5700 for a referral.

Types of Incontinence

Urge Incontinence is caused by an unstable bladder or bowel. A person suffering from urge incontinence feels an immediacy to urinate or defecate. It is caused by a sudden, involuntary contraction and is more common in older adults.

Stress incontinence occurs when an increase in abdominal pressure (such as heavy lifting, coughing, sneezing or laughing) causes an involuntary loss of urine or feces. This kind of incontinence happens mostly to women under 60 and in men who have had prostate surgery.

Mixed incontinence is a combination of urge and stress incontinence that accounts for a majority of all incontinence problems in older women.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder or bowel becomes too full because it cannot empty completely. This condition is usually the result of an obstruction or injury. In men, it can be the result of an enlarged prostate.

Fecal incontinence is an inability to maintain control of one's bowel movements. This can occur through disease, trauma to muscles or nerves, or as a consequence of earlier surgeries.

Many people seek help when they need to wear protection on a regular basis. However, it is advisable to visit your doctor sooner rather than later to determine the underlying cause of your incontinence. In rare cases, a serious disease such as bladder cancer — for which prompt attention is important-can cause incontinence.

Treatments Available

A wide range of therapies are now available to treat incontinence, many of which do not require surgery, including: medication, exercises, collagen injections, physical therapy, biofeedback therapy and surgery.

Several surgical options are also available to correct incontinence. Women with marked stress incontinence can have the bladder opening tightened with a relatively simple surgery through the vagina. For people who have lost sphincter control, an artificial urinary sphincter can be implanted. A new bladder pouch can be created for cancer patients, using a part of the small intestine.

Urologic Surgery

The division of urologic surgery is divided into subspecialties to provide care in the areas of oncology, incontinence, stone disease, impotence, infertility, and laparoscopic surgery.

Kidney Transplantation

The Kidney Transplant Program at USC University Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive perioperative care to patients with chronic renal disease, including end-stage renal disease. Our team consists of physician and surgeon specialists and nurse coordinators whose purpose is the efficient pre-transplant evaluation and management and a smooth transition into the transplant phase. Following kidney transplantion, care will be coordinated by the USC University Hospital nurse transplant coordinator and depends on consistent communication between the transplant physicians, the patient, and the referring doctor.

Within the scope of our program exist the necessary services to provide comprehensive evaluation and management of patients before and after the transplant event. The kidney transplant procedure is performed at the USC University Hospital. The Kidney Transplant Program is one component of the full-service Multi-Organ Transplantation Program at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. The program also performs transplants of heart, lung, liver, and bone marrow.

FAQ's – Incontinence

Personalized treatment for a private problem Whether you're six years old or 60, it's embarrassing to wet your pants. Children can be reassured that they'll usually grow out of it, but adults may fear their problem will worsen as years go by. Fortunately, many simple treatments are available for people who suffer from incontinence.

What causes incontinence?
Childbirth, prostate surgery, back injury and aging muscles are some of the many causes of urinary incontinence.

If I'm having trouble with incontinence, when should I visit a doctor?
People don't usually come in for help if they occasionally just leak a few drops. Many people seek help when they need to wear protection on a regular basis. However, it is advisable to visit a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your incontinence.

What treatments are available?
Several treatments are available for incontinence, depending upon its cause and severity. Some conditions can be treated with medication. In other cases, you may simply need to do exercises to strengthen your muscles. Collagen can be injected in and around the sphincter muscles of the urethra to increase pressure and resistance, preventing leakage. Several surgical options are also available to correct incontinence. Women with marked stress incontinence can have the bladder opening tightened with a relatively simple surgery through the vagina. For people who have lost sphincter control, an artificial urinary sphincter can be implanted. A new bladder pouch can be created for cancer patients, using a part of the small intestine.

Why The Comprehensive Continence Program at USC University Hospital?
The doctors at The Comprehensive Continence Program at USC University Hospital are specialists in identifying and correcting incontinence problems. They were among the first in the country to use collagen injections, and they are among those that pioneered the use of new bladder pouches in the United States. The Comprehensive Continence Program at USCUH takes an multidisciplinary approach to incontinence, bringing together urologists, gynecologists, reconstructive surgeons, gerontologists and rehabilitation physicians. A commitment to innovation and excellence combined with ongoing research and teaching at the USC School of Medicine, keep the doctors of the Comprehensive Continence Program at USC University Hospital among those at the forefront of their field.

For a physician referral, call 1-888-700-5700.

Related Link: http://www.usc.edu/schools/medicine/academic_departments/urology