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We currently have 11 urologists with a variety of interests and specialties in the field of Urology. Choose a physician listed on the right to learn more about that specific physician. You can also call our office or complete the Request a Consultation form on this page to speak directly with one of our staff who can help to schedule you with a physician to meet your needs.
DR. BRIAN
BILLMEYER
Dr. Billmeyer grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended the University of Iowa and graduated with highest distinction with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. He was selected for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. EDWARD “TED”
CAPOCCIA
Dr. Capoccia was born and raised in Kansas City. He attended the University of Kansas for his undergraduate education and majored in human biology. He completed his medical school training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
DR. TYLER
EMLEY
Dr. Emley was born in Michigan and grew up in New Hampshire. He graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University/Bloomington in 1995 with degrees in Biology and Sociology. He was selected for the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. PRIYANKA
KUMAR
Dr. Kumar grew up in Crown Point, IN and graduated from Merrillville High School before pursuing a degree in Biology, with a minor in business administration from the University of Southern Indiana.
DR. KEVIN
PARIKH
Dr. Parikh grew up in Schererville, Indiana. After graduating as valedictorian from Lake Central High School, he went on to Indiana University where he obtained a business degree from the Kelley School of Business and minors in both chemistry and biology.
DR. ADAM
PERLMUTTER
Dr Perlmutter grew up on Long Island, New York. He majored in biology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
DR. MANOJ
RAO
Dr. Rao was born in Chicago and grew up in Olympia Fields, Illinois. He attended Saint Louis University for his undergraduate studies as both a Pre Medical and Presidential Scholar.
DR. RYAN
SWEARINGEN
Dr. Swearingen grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated with honors, with a major in economics and a minor in chemistry. He was selected in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
DR. RAMESH
UNNI
Dr. Unni was born in Maywood, Illinois. He grew up in Crown Point, IN and attended St. Mary’s School and Andrean High School locally before pursuing a degree in economics at Northwestern University.
DR. TED
VELLOS
Dr. Vellos was born and raised in Orland Park, Illinois where he graduated from Carl Sandburg High school. He attended Loyola University Chicago for both undergraduate and medical schools obtaining degrees in Chemistry and Economics and earning Honors in research.
DR. BRUCE
YALOWITZ
Vaginal prolapse is a common condition that affects women. Prolapse, which is much like a hernia into the vagina, is caused by weakness in the support to the vagina that allows the vagina to bulge down. This can occur in different areas of the vagina.
There are many potential causes for a bladder prolapse. The most common causes are childbirth and pregnancy. Additional causes include chronic coughing, lifting heavy objects, frequent constipation, and genetic pelvic floor weakness.
Mild and moderate cases can often be treated with non-surgical interventions. However, severe cases of bladder prolapse may require surgery to keep vital pelvic organs in their correct positions.
There are several common symptoms that are present in most cases of prolapse. These symptoms include:
These symptoms tend to be most prevalent after standing up for extended periods of time. Signs of prolapse may fade away when patients lie down.
There are several ways to diagnose a prolapse. These include:
The most effective way of diagnosing a prolapse is through a pelvic exam. You may be examined while standing or while lying down. During the examination, your physician will look for a visible tissue bulge in your vagina. A bulge is a strong indicator of prolapse.
Your doctor will likely ask you to exert yourself as if you are having a bowel movement. This allows them to determine how much that action impacts the degree of your prolapse. They will also ask you to contract your pelvic muscles so that they can check for normal strength.
Your physician may provide you with a questionnaire so that they can assess how much the prolapse is affecting your overall quality of life. This will guide their treatment.
Patients with a significant prolapse may not be able to adequately empty their bladders. If your physician is concerned that your prolapse is severe, then they may run tests on your urine to check for bladder infections.
The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your prolapse as well as your symptoms. Patients that are experiencing severe discomfort and urinary incontinence will likely require surgical intervention. Milder cases can be treated with non-invasive options.
The three primary treatment options include:
Pelvic floor muscles exercises are a great way of providing added support to your pelvic organs. These exercises are successful at relieving many milder symptoms of prolapse when performed correctly. Your doctor or a licensed physical therapist can provide you with detailed instructions on how to perform these exercises.
For more information visit:
https://sufuorg.com/docs/oab/oab-pelvic-floor-muscle-training.aspx
A pessary is a supportive device that is inserted into your vagina. It is a rubber or plastic ring that offers added support to relieve prolapse symptoms. Typically your gynecologist will show you how to clean the device and reinsert it without assistance. These devices can buy time and allow you to delay surgery.
Surgical treatment for prolapse can be preformed vaginally or abdominally. During the procedure, the physician will hold the bladder into place with stitches or mesh. They will also remove excess vaginal tissue, if necessary.
In some cases, a hysterectomy is performed at the same time in conjunction with a gynecologist.
Colpocleisis (vaginal closure) is a vaginal procedure, which corrects prolapse by suturing the front and back walls of the vagina together to prevent any vaginal bulging. This procedure is done under general anesthesia. A hysterectomy does not have to be performed with this procedure. A colpocleisis is on suitable in women who are not sexually active, as the vaginal canal will be closed off. This procedure is an outpatient procedure and is particularly suitable for women with medical problems, which may make them less suitable for longer and more complex procedures. It is associated with high success rates of 90-95%. This procedure can be done in conjunction with procedures to treat stress incontinence.
Sacrospinus ligament fixation is a vaginal procedure to attach the top of the vagina or cervix to pelvic ligament (sacrospinus ligament) with a permanent stitch. This stitch is supported by piece of biologic tissue. This procedure is done under general anesthesia. A hysterectomy does not have to be performed at the time of surgery. Often you are kept overnight after surgery with a catheter and packing that is inserted vaginally to prevent bleeding. You will typically be in the hospital overnight and be able to leave once the packing and catheter are removed and you can empty your bladder. This procedure is associated with success rates of 80-90%. This procedure can be done in conjunction with procedure to treat stress incontinence.
Sacrocolpopexy is an abdominal procedure that correct prolapse by attaching a piece of mesh to the top of the vagina or cervix to a ligament in the sacrum (low back). This procedure is typically done robotically utilizing multiple small incisions. This procedure has best results in patients who have already had a hysterectomy or undergoing a hysterectomy at the time of this procedure. You are kept overnight after surgery with a catheter in place. You will typically be in the hospital overnight and be able to leave once the catheter is removed and you canempty your bladder. This procedure is associated with high success rates of 90-95%. This procedure can be done in conjunction with procedure to treat stress incontinence.
A prolapse is a hernia of a woman’s vagina. It often presents as pressure or a distinct bulge. It is referred to by many different terms, including a bladder prolapse cystocele, dropped uterus, or dropped rectum.
Prolapse is attributed to a weakening of vaginal tissues. It is often associated with childbirth and pregnancy but prolapse can occur in women that have no children. A chronic cough, heavy lifting, and poor tissue health can also contribute to prolapse.
Prolapse is often characterized by discomfort, but it is generally non-life-threatening. There are several treatment options available.
Most women elect to use conservative treatments that include pelvic floor muscle exercises, dietary changes, and physical therapy. However, some women experience significant discomfort and opt for surgical intervention.
Mild cases of bladder prolapse can effectively be treated with conservative methods. However, prolapse that is not addressed will usually get worse over time. Surgical treatment is the best way to address prolapse.
Hysterectomies are not a mandatory part of prolapse treatment. However, many physicians recommend undergoing both procedures at the same time. Removing the uterus makes it easier to repair the prolapse. A hysterectomy may also be necessary to address other issues, such as excessive vaginal bleeding.
Unfortunately, no surgical intervention has a 100% success rate. Roughly 5% to 15% of women experience a failure after prolapse surgery. Most of the time, these are partial failures that require a minor corrective procedure, no treatment, or the use of a pessary (intervaginal device).
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