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Reconstructive Urology at UPMC

Urologic problems caused from injuries and conditions can have a major impact on a person's daily function and quality of life.

UPMC surgeons, led by Paul Rusilko, DO, specialize in advanced surgical techniques to restore normal anatomy and function of the genitourinary tract while putting patient safety first. Reconstructive surgery is available for men to move, repair, or rebuild their upper or lower urinary tracts or reproductive organs.

Conditions We Treat

Buried penis (in adults)

Adult-acquired buried penis occurs when the penis, although normal-sized, gets hidden under skin or fat.

Erectile dysfunction

Having trouble maintaining or achieving an erection is erectile dysfunction. Physical causes are often associated with cardiovascular issues, diabetes, or neurological problems following prostatectomy.

Peyronie's disease

A condition known as Peyronie's disease results in a curvature of the penis, which often makes penetration during sex difficult and painful.

Urethral stricture

A narrowed urethra caused by scarring, infection or trauma and can lead to pain during urination, UTIs, or kidney stones.

Urinary incontinence in men

Urinary incontinence is the inability to hold urine inside the bladder voluntarily or to prevent leakage or dribbling.

Stress incontinence

Stress incontinence is the most common form. Although causes of urinary incontinence can also include prostate surgery, radiation treatment, or neurologic conditions.

Reconstructive Urology Treatments at UPMC

Using the most recent research and protocols, our multidisciplinary team offers patients a full range of medical and surgical options, including minimally invasive and same-day treatments. Our range of expertise allows us to provide specialized, individualized care approach for each patient.

Some of our surgical treatments include:

Abdominoplasty

Commonly called a "tummy tuck", an abdominoplasty reduces excess skin and fat around the abdomen and strengthens the muscles of the abdominal wall.

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy removes a large amount of skin from the lower portion of the stomach. The skin's called pannus or an "apron".

Escutcheonectomy

An escutcheonectomy involves removing the fat pad over the pubic region.

Urethral dilation

The purpose of urethral dilation is to stretch the sides of the urethra.

Urethrostomy

Males undergo perineal urethrostomies to create a permanent opening into the urethra using an incision in the perineum. Perineum refers to the area between the scrotum and the anus.

Urethroplasty

An urethroplasty is a procedure to repair the urethra, which transports urine from your body.

Plication

Using stitches, a penile plication straightens the penis by tightening the side that opposes the curvature.

Sling surgery

In Sling surgery, doctors wrap a piece of material around the urethra to move it and support it, relieving pressure on the sphincter.

Artificial sphincter insertion

This procedure implants an artificial sphincter made up of three parts: an inflatable sphincter, a reservoir, and a pump. An artificial sphincter has an inflatable cuff that fits around the urethra close to the point where it joins the bladder.

Incision and grafting

The surgeon cuts the scar tissue, which allows the penis to straighten. Then the doctor makes a graft, either from your own tissue, donor tissue, or synthetic material, to cover the cuts.

Penile implant or prosthesis

Your doctor may recommend a penile implant or prosthesis if you have erectile dysfunction and severe Peyronie's. This involves surgically placing a penile implant.

Why Choose UPMC for Reconstructive Urology Care?

  • Nationally Renowned Expertise: UPMC reconstructive urology experts conduct thousands of surgeries every year for adult-acquired buried penis syndrome and urethral stricture disease. Physicians from multiple states in the northeast region send patients to our team of nationally recognized clinicians and researchers.
  • State-of-the-Art Treatments: Through advanced tools and minimally invasive techniques, our reconstructive team prides itself on quality outcomes including low rates of complications and quick recovery times.
  • Forefront of Research: Many surgical techniques developed and refined at UPMC are taught and shared by experts from UPMC nationally and internationally. Our urology leaders continue to lead the field in improving techniques and patient safety. You can read more about these research developments here.

Contact UPMC's Reconstructive Urology Program

To learn more, refer a patient, or make an appointment, contact Dr. Paul Rusilko's office at 1-412-232-5850.