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School of Medicine
Department of Urology

Why Choose the University of Kansas Department of Urology?

KU MedIn Kansas City, The Department of Urology at The University of Kansas Medical Center is dedicated to providing the best and most knowledgeable specialized patient care, now and for the future. Patients always come first, from routine to complex cases. The large number of patients with any given urological disease seen by our Dept, along with true specialist care is what makes us a referral center within Kansas City and the Midwest. We offer the best treatment options to those who seek answers in difficult cases, along with cutting edge options and clinical trials. Our physicians have dedicated their careers to specialized care within urology and have been responsible for setting standards for urology care in Kansas City, the region and nationally. They have performed additional training (fellowships) after their regular training to have the most experience to specialize in the different urological problems. Our expertise are demonstrated in many fields of urology, including: prostate cancer, robotic prostatectomy, bladder and kidney cancer, female urology and incontinence, kidney and bladder stones, laparoscopy and minimally invasive surgery, erectile dysfunction and penile surgery, vasectomy reversal microsurgery (vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy), male infertility and sperm retrieval techniques, vasectomy, BPH, urethral strictures, geriatric urology and pediatric urology. What are the facts?

  • The Department of Urology consistently rates as one of the highest patient satisfaction scores at 95%, as reported by Press Ganey, and 95% of the patients seen by our physicians would recommend our practice to a friend or family member.
  • The University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Urology is the only medical center in the region offering specialists in every area of urology, and is a major referral center with a large experience in all types of urological care. We have nationally recognized clinicians and researchers within their respective field, as reflected in the numerous  publications, book chapters, national presentations, editorial positions for medical journals, and awards.
  • The only center in Kansas City with nationally recognized fellowship-trained surgeons in urologic cancer presently using the robot for prostate, bladder and kidney surgery.
  • A fellowship-trained specialist in endoscopy  for stones and minimally invasive surgery
  • The only fellowship-trained specialist in urologic trauma and reconstruction in the Kansas City Metro and the region
  • A nationally recognized fellowship-trained specialist in male infertility, microsurgery, and men’s sexual health in the Kansas City Metro and region.
  • The only two fellowship-trained specialists in female incontinence and female urologic issues in the Kansas City Metro and region.
  • A nationally recognized specialist in the care of urologic diseases in the elderly.
imageOur nationally known group of urologists pride themselves on their expertise and innovations that lead to the best urologic care for you and your family. We strive to maximize knowledge and experience for the patients and is why we all work in the University system. We strive to deliver ethical, comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for all urologic conditions. In an effort to deliver the finest care possible, we believe in exploring all therapeutic alternatives, including well-established conventional treatments, complementary medical therapy, and new therapies considered to be "cutting edge", such as complex microsurgery, advanced laparoscopy with robotics, lasers, and nerve stimulation (neuromodulation).  Experience and knowledge - actions do speak louder than words, and we put into practice what we teach every day.


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In the News

The Department of Urology in conjunction with the University of Kansas Cancer Center has recently started a new clinic for men with the goal of reducing their risk of prostate cancer. This clinic that was established with a generous gift from Burns and McDonnell is specifically aimed at men who may be at high risk of developing prostate cancer based on their family history. The clinic, the first of its kind in the region, utilizes dietary therapy, drug therapy, and supplements as well as possible clinical trials as options to men. In addition, beginning in February the clinic will begin working with survivors of prostate cancer to reduce their risk of recurrence, evaluate side effects of previous prostate cancer treatment with a focus on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.

Dr Thrasher was honored recently by being appointed to the Residency Review Committee for urology training.

The Department of Urology at KUMC announces 2 new fellowship/specialty trained urologists. Dr. Padmanabhan joins Dr. Tomas Griebling to provide care of female urology/ incontinence care and complex prolapse  and urinary reconstructive needs. Dr Mirza joins as a urologic surgeon specializing in cancer care and becomes the 4th fellowship trained urologic cancer surgeons at the Dept of Urology and as such is the largest group of specialists in the Kansas City metro area and region.

The Next Revolution in Birth Control

The female birth control pill is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, but what's new on the male side? KUMC is developing a non-hormonal male contraceptive that would allow men to become a more active part of family planning. Collaboration between KUMC and the Department of Urology will hopefully lead to clinical trials in the next couple of years.
Click here to watch the Fox 4 Health Report

A Tradition of Leadership in the Department of Urology

The University of Kansas Department of Urology in Kansas City has a long standing history and commitment to the field of urology. The Department has now developed a tradition of leadership with three of the faculty being accepted to the prestigious American Urological Association Leadership Program. Urologists chosen to complete this prestigious one-year program are considered future leaders in the American Urological Association. Dr. Tomas Griebling graduated from the program in 2007, Dr. Jeffrey Holzbeierlein graduated in 2009, and Dr. Ajay Nangia has recently been accepted to the program. The Chair of the Department of Urology, Dr. Brantley Thrasher, in his leadership role served as a mentor for the program during 2008-2009.

This tradition honors the Department of Urology at the University of Kansas Medical Center and confirms its dedication to the pursuit of excellence for the care of patients with urological diseases locally in Kansas City, regionally and nationally.

Department of Urology at the University of Kansas Hospital Ranked as one of the Best in the Nation by USA NEWS AND WORLD REPORT

The University of Kansas Hospital has ranked on six of U.S News and World Report's 2010-2011 Best Hospitals list. Recognized again for their outstanding programs in a multiple of disciplines, the Department of Urology at KU Med was honored with the distinction of being in the Top 50 Urology Departments nationwide. The distinction is based on low mortality rates, patient safety and reputation. The Department of Urology is honored by the distinction and confirms their commitment to patient care and excellence.

Dr. J. Brantley Thrasher honored recently to join the American Board of Urology Trustees

KANSAS CITY, Kan. –This reflects a high level of integrity as well as standing in the national urology community. The American Board of Urology (ABU) is organized to encourage study, improve standards, and promote competency in the practice of Urology. The Board evaluates candidates who are duly licensed to practice medicine, and arranges and conducts examinations for the purpose of certification, subspecialty certification, recertification, and ongoing maintenance of certification. Certificates are conferred by the Board to candidates who successfully complete all requirements for a given certificate.

The ABU certifies urologic physicians who meet its educational, professional standing, and examination criteria. To become certified, a urologist must have core competencies in all domains of urology, including but not limited to pediatric urology, endourology, female urology, andrology, oncology, urolithiasis, and general urology.

VIEW CURRENT AMERICAN BOARD OF UROLOGY TRUSTEES

Prostate Cancer Center Named a "Center of Excellence"

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Urology Times, a leading medical magazine, and the most widely circulated publication among urologists nationwide, has named the prostate cancer program at The University of Kansas Cancer Center one of 13 “Clinical Centers of Excellence” in the country. It is the only prostate cancer center in the state of Kansas or the Kansas City metropolitan area to receive the honor.

The magazine says the rankings were based on many factors, including comments from key opinion leaders and a survey of Urology Times readers. Centers were also judged on patient outcomes, quality improvement initiatives, patient satisfaction, research and referrals. The magazine said the ranking “is designed to provide physicians with a valuable tool when considering where to refer challenging cases.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE

Taking a Shot at Male Birth Control

ABC News/Good Morning America – Dr. Timothy Johnson, of ABC News, interviews Dr. Ajay Nangia regarding the results of recent clinical trials and the effectiveness of the male birth control injection. Univeristy of Kansas Medical Center researchers continue to be among the leaders in the development of an ORAL version of a male birth control.

Click here to view the video from ABC News/Good Morning America.

More Men Seeking Vasectomies - Economy Possibly Factor In Increase In Vasectomies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- People are making cuts to help make ends meet in this economy. Doctors said they are seeing more men interested in vasectomies.

"The increase in vasectomies, I've noticed has been since the beginning of the year, since January," said Dr. Ajay Nangia of KU Medical Center's urology department.

Nangia said he has seen a 20 percent to 30 percent increase in men seeking vasectomies.

"This is not viewed as a temporary fix to the economy, it is something where they have thought about it anyway," Nangia said.


CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY AND VIEW THE NEWSCAST

Department of Urology at KUMED and Kansas City Chiefs Join Together to Increase Prostate Cancer Awareness

The American Urological Association Foundation and the Department of Urology at University of Kansas Medical Center joined together with the NFL and the Chiefs in making prostate cancer awareness a goal. The screening day was a great success and 26 former players were screened. Prostate cancer screening continues to be an important mission. For more information about this event, visit the American Urological Association Foundation website, or click here to view or print the event press release.

Early detection saves lives. For more information about Prostate Cancer available on our website, click here.