Urology

The Complex Operating Unit of Urology represents excellence in the treatment of malignant and benign urogenital diseases. The Department is composed of a team of professionals capable of managing and solving all the most complex diagnostic-therapeutic problems in urology, also thanks to the use of the most modern technologies, including robotic surgery through the “Da Vinci” system. The adoption of a personalized and multidisciplinary approach, continuous updating and application of diagnostic-therapeutic-assistance protocols and guidelines recognized by the main national and international scientific societies (European Association of Urology, American Association of Urology, International Continence Society) allow us to ensure a high quality of care. Close collaboration with other Specialties involved in the pathways of diagnosis and treatment of patients with urogenital diseases allows to provide services aligned with the highest health standards in the urological field.

The UOC includes the Simple Operative Unit “Benign Urologic Pathology”.

Mission:

• Evidence-based, patient-centered care through multidisciplinary coordination of clinical care interventions, aimed at achieving the best clinical outcomes and optimal perceived experience.
• Creation of a stimulating environment in which Physicians in Specialty Training can learn and grow in the acquisition of extensive basic and superspecialty urologic training
• Seeking transformative scientific outcomes for the diagnosis and treatment of common and complex urologic diseases

Vision:

To be recognized as a Urology Center of Excellence for patient care, research and education:

• Providing super-specialty urological treatments of the highest standard with the utmost respect and compassion for each individual’s condition and circumstances
• By implementing multidisciplinary processes and the use of advanced technologies to best treat even the most complex urological conditions
• Incorporating innovative educational programs to provide comprehensive urologic training and expertise inspiring the next generation of urologic leaders in the field
• Critically addressing current and future challenges in the field of Urology by designing and implementing creative and collaborative research 

Core values:

• Patient-centeredness
• Excellence of care
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Integrity and respect
• Innovation
• Continuous updating
• Diversity 
• Compassion

Services provided

Clinical activities are divided into outpatient services, day hospital services and ordinary inpatient services.
The services provided in agreement with the SSN, in private social regime and in intramoenia free practice.

Outpatient services:

• Urological examination
• Andrological examination
• Urethrocistoscopy
• Transperineal prostate biopsy with Fusion technique

Surgical services:

• Uro-oncologic surgery (with open, laparoscopic and robotic technique): partial and radical nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy, partial and radical cystectomy, ureterectomy, urethrectomy, radical orchidectomy, penectomy, lymphadenectomy for urogenital tumors.
• Uro-functional and reconstructive surgery (by open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques): urinary shunts including orthotopic neobladder reconstruction, pyeloureteroplasty, prostatic adenomectomy, ureteral and urethral stricture surgery, male and female urinary incontinence surgery, genital prolapse surgery.
• Uro-andrological surgery: orchiectomy, varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, circumcision, frenuloplasty, testicular fixation, epididymectomy, epididymis cyst removal

Endourological services:

• Personalized treatments for benign prostatic hypertrophy: endoscopic incision of prostate (TUIP), endoscopic resection of prostate with bipolar energy (TURP), endoscopic laser vaporization of prostate (Thuvap), endoscopic laser enucleation of prostate adenoma (Thulep), thermoablation of prostate adenoma with Rezum system.
• Customized treatments for urinary stones: endoscopic laser ureterolithotomy (RIRS), percutaneous laser nephrolithotomy (PCNL), endoscopic cystolithotomy.

Pathologies treated

Prostate:

• Prostate cancer
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Acute and chronic prostatitis

Bladder and urethra:

• Bladder cancer
• Bacterial cystitis
• Interstitial cystitis
• Incontinenza urinaria
• Urethral stenosis
• Urinary retention
• Genital prolapse, cystocele

Kidney and ureter:

• Tumors of the kidney and upper urinary tract
• Renal and ureteral calculosis
• Pyelo-ureteral joint syndrome
• Ureteral stenosis
• Renal trauma

Andrology:

• Tumors of the testis and penis
• Varicocele
• Hydrocele
• Hypermobile testis
• Phimosis
• Short phrenulum
• Erectile dysfunction

Patients are offered multidisciplinary pathways with the involvement, where necessary, of all specialists involved in the diagnostic-therapeutic process. Particular attention is paid to the diagnostic-therapeutic procedure, minimally invasive treatment and postoperative quality of life of patients with urologic tumors. The Center makes use of the latest technology and the collaboration of Colleagues from Radiation Therapy, Radiology, Pathology Anatomy and Medical Oncology. In particular, robotic-assisted surgical procedures, such as robotic radical prostatectomy and robotic partial nephrectomy, are our gold standard for minimally invasive treatment of prostate and renal cancers. Robotic surgeries, performed with instruments inserted through small holes in the abdominal wall, offer high probability of cure and have numerous advantages, including less postoperative pain with subsequent easier and faster recovery, less blood loss, lower complication rate, faster discharge from the hospital, and recovery of continence and sexual function in a higher percentage of cases.

Scientific research activities

The UOC Urology is engaged in scientific research in the field of urology and in particular in the field of genitourinary cancers, robotic surgery applied to Urology, and lower urinary tract dysfunction, including in international collaborations. The group of Specialists is very involved in publishing scientific papers in international journals and presenting the results of research activities at national and international conferences.  Prof. Sacco and his team have always been active in organizing courses and congresses in the field of functional, uro-oncologic and robotic surgery. The group collaborates with both national and international scientific societies (EAU, ICS, ERN andUROGEN).

Teaching Activities

The UOC. Urology is a training center for physicians in specialist training enrolled in the School of Specialization in Urology of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, directed by Prof. Sacco. Prof. Sacco is also a lecturer in Urology in the undergraduate course in Medicine and Surgery, in the international graduate course in Medicine and Surgery, and in the residency courses in Nephrology and Gynecology at the Catholic University. Courses for theoretical and practical training of medical and nursing staff are also promoted.