ultrasonic lithotripsy: Similar to ureteroscopy, ultrasonic lithotripsy uses an optical scope and electronic probe, inserted into the ureter under epidural (spinal) anesthesia, to locate the stone. High-frequency ultrasound waves then are directed at the stone to break it up gradually. The fragments can either be passed naturally by the patient or removed by grasping forceps, basket extraction or suction through the scope instrument. The instrument is not flexible, however, so ultrasonic lithotripsy typically can be employed only when a straight path directly from outside the body to the stone is possible.

underactive bladder: A condition characterized by a bladder contraction of inadequate magnitude and/or duration to effect bladder emptying in a normal time span. This condition can be caused by drugs, fecal impaction, and neurological conditions such as diabetic neuropathy or low spinal cord injury or as a result of radical pelvic surgery. It also can result from a weakening of the detrusor muscle from vitamin B12 deficiency or idiopathic causes. Bladder underactivity may cause overdistension of the bladder, resulting in overflow incontinence (see overflow incontinence).

ureteroscopy: A flexible, fiberoptic instrument resembling a long, thin telescope is inserted through the urethra and bladder up to the ureter to visualize the tube. Often used for retrieval of kidney stones.

urge incontinence (UI): The involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden and strong urge to void (urgency).

urge/urgency: A strong desire to void.

urinalysis: A group of physical and chemical tests done on a sample of urine to check for various disorders, including those of the kidneys and urinary tract.

urinary incontinence(UI): Involuntary loss of urine sufficient to be a problem. There are several types of Ul, but all are characterized by an inability to restrain voiding.

urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are caused by bacteria that invade the urinary system and multiply, leading to an infection.

urodynamic tests: Diagnostic tests to examine the bladder and urethral sphincter function.

varicocelectomy: The cutting away of a varicocele.

varicocele embolization: An outpatient procedure in which the varicocele is closed off (occluded) by means of a balloon catheter (flexible tube with a tiny detachable balloon), steel coil, and/or sclerosing (vessel-hardening) solution.

vasoepididymostomy: A microsurgical procedure that uses a microscopic camera and very small operative tools to correct obstructions in the genital tract. The procedure requires removal of the blockage in the epididymis (the coiled tube that extends the length of each testis and connects with a larger duct - the vas deferens) and re-attachment of the epididymis to the vas deferens.

vasovasostomy: Vasovasostomy is a vasectomy reversal, the re-connection of the severed ends of the vas deferens, restoring the flow of sperm through the vas deferens.

vaportrode: A type of cautery electrode that vaporizes prostatic tissue. This creates a larger prostatic channel, which makes urination easier.

vesica sling procedure: A surgical sling procedure used to stabilize the bladder neck and provide support for the urethra using autologous or synthetic sling material. This procedure treats both hypermobility and ISD.

Cheyenne Urological, P.C.
 
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