Urology Services & Specialties at Metro Chicago Surgical Oncology

The MCSO In-Office Dispensary is a specialty dispensary located in our Wilmette location. Specialty drugs are those used to treat chronic or complex conditions, including advanced prostate cancer. You will have a dedicated team to help you understand your treatment, access resources and support, and get help with costs.

We understand that erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a source of frustration and discomfort for men. We're here to help, and we believe everyone deserves access to effective treatment options, regardless of financial limitations. That's why we're proud to offer affordable generic forms of popular ED medications, like Viagra and Cialis. Benefits of Choosing Generics:

• Same Effectiveness: Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts and are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the same high standards of quality and safety.
• Significant Cost Savings: Generics can be substantially cheaper than their brand-name counterparts, often by 50% or more. This can make a significant difference in making treatment accessible and sustainable.
• Convenient and Discreet: We offer confidential consultations and prescriptions, so you can access the medication you need in a comfortable and discreet manner.

For patients dealing with recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer, we provide a range of treatment options designed to extend life and prevent cancer progression, including daily oral medications.

One category of these treatments is novel hormonal therapies (NHT), which work by either further reducing testosterone levels or by blocking its effects.

Orgovyx is the first and only oral androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) approved to lower testosterone and PSA levels in adults with advanced prostate cancer, offering a convenient alternative to traditional injection-based treatments.

Abiraterone, for example, decreases testosterone production, reducing levels from low (achieved through androgen deprivation therapy) to very low, and is generally administered alongside a low dose of prednisone.

Another form of NHT includes second-generation testosterone blockers such as Xtandi (enzalutamide), Erleada (apalutamide), and Nubeqa (darolutamide).

Additionally, PARP inhibitors represent a type of oral cancer therapy that is particularly effective in patients with genetic mutations related to DNA repair, making genetic testing an important step to determine suitability for this treatment.

Our surgeons excel in minimally invasive surgeries for a variety of urological disorders. Using cutting-edge technologies and techniques, such as robotic/laparoscopic procedures and traditional open procedures, our team ensures effective treatment with minimal downtime.

We offer treatment for a variety of urological conditions, ranging from adrenal abnormalities to urinary retention. Below is a selection of common urological issues and conditions that we address at MCSO:

• Adrenal Masses, Lesions, and Cysts: Often discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions, these can be benign or malignant, requiring careful diagnosis.
• All Urologic Cancers: Including kidney, bladder, prostate, testicular, and adrenal cancers, each require specific diagnostic and treatment approaches.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly causing urinary symptoms in older men.
• Chronic or Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Frequently occurring UTIs that may require long-term management strategies.
• Elevated PSA Blood Test: A test used to screen for prostate issues, including cancer; high levels may indicate the need for further testing.
• Enlarged Prostate: Similar to BPH, this involves enlargement of the prostate that affects urinary function.
• Kidney Stones: Hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys and can cause severe pain and urinary blockage.
• Overactive Bladder: A condition characterized by urgent, frequent urination, often requiring specialized treatment.
• Urinary Incontinence: The inability to control urine flow, which can significantly affect quality of life.
• Urinary Retention: A condition where the bladder cannot empty completely, often requiring medical intervention.
• Back/Flank Pain “Renal Colic”: Severe pain caused by kidney stones moving within the urinary tract.
• Prostatitis: A cause of elevated PSA levels, this inflammation of the prostate can significantly affect PSA readings and requires specific treatment.
• Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Screening: Important in the management of sexually active patients, especially in relation to prostate health and urinary tract infections.

At Metro Chicago Surgical Oncology, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art surgical solutions and therapeutic treatments for a broad range of urological conditions. Our advanced techniques, from minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeries to targeted therapies like cryotherapy and sacral nerve stimulation, are designed to enhance patient outcomes, minimize discomfort, and reduce recovery time.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Techniques like laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery that reduce recovery time and minimize pain.
• Adrenal Surgery: Procedures to remove benign or malignant masses from the adrenal glands.
• Cystocele and Rectocele Repair: Surgical repair of pelvic floor disorders where bladder or rectal tissues protrude into the vaginal area.
• Endourology:
  • Ureteroscopy: A procedure using a small scope to treat stones in the ureter or kidney.
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A procedure to remove large kidney stones through a small back incision.
  • Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive treatment that breaks up kidney stones using shock waves.
  • Laser lithotripsy: Using lasers to break up stones that are too large to pass on their own.
• Prostate Surgery:
  • GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a high-powered laser to remove prostate tissue obstructing urine flow.
  • Robotic Prostatectomy: The use of robotic systems to perform prostate removal with precision.
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A common procedure to remove parts of an enlarged prostate.
• Kidney Surgery:
  • Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: Removal of the kidney through small incisions for treating kidney cancer.
  • Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Removal of only the tumor or damaged part of the kidney to preserve kidney function.
• Urethral Surgery:
  • Urethral sling procedures: Surgical placement of a sling around the urethra to support it and prevent urine leakage.
  • Artificial urinary sphincter implantation: A device implanted to control urine flow in cases of severe incontinence.
• Sacral Nerve Stimulation (InterStim therapy): A treatment involving a device that stimulates the sacral nerve to improve bladder control.
• Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal: Procedures for male sterilization and its reversal.
• Robotic Stone Removal: A robotic technology to remove kidney stones, which adds precision and reduces recovery time.
• Biofeedback and Pelvic Floor Therapy: A non-surgical treatment option for urinary issues, particularly incontinence and bladder control problems.
• Contigen Injections: Used to treat urinary incontinence by bulking up the area around the urethra to help control urine flow.
• Urostym: A specific form of pelvic floor therapy used to strengthen pelvic muscles and improve bladder control.

Regular screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and routine health assessments are crucial for maintaining urological health, especially for sexually active individuals.

Practical guidance on lifestyle and diet that can help prevent urological conditions and promote overall urinary health.

MCSO is committed to advancing urological care through ongoing research and comprehensive patient education about treatment options and preventive measures.

We now offer Nitrous Oxide, or "laughing gas" to improve patient comfort during urology procedures. This effective sedative, mixed with oxygen, quickly reduces pain and anxiety without inducing sleep, allowing patients to interact with their medical team and drive themselves home post-procedure. Nitrous Oxide is suitable for various procedures, including vasectomies and cystoscopies. Note that it is not covered by insurance and requires an additional nominal fee. Let your care team know if you are interested in Nitrous Oxide during your urological procedure.