Section of Urology

The University of Cincinnati section of urology has repeatedly been ranked among the top 50 urology programs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. The section is a national leader in state-of-the-art treatments for all urologic cancers and general urologic conditions, as well as the full range of female urology (pelvic floor medicine and reconstructive surgery) conditions, pediatric urology, sexual dysfunction, and urologic trauma. Additionally, UC Urology is currently involved in multiple clinical trials evaluating new therapies for prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma as part of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center (UCCC).

Working closely with the Department of Radiology’s Dr. Sadhna Verma, an expert in MRI prostate imaging, we have established a specialized program in MRI-targeted, ultrasound (US) guided prostate biopsy which increases the accuracy and efficiency of the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Targets identified by MRI are marked on saved images and used as an overlay provided by the image fusion technology known as Artemis during US-guided biopsy procedures. We have also established a program for using MRI of the prostate in managing nonaggressive prostate cancer with Active Surveillance. Men with low-grade prostate cancer can postpone or avoid prostate surgery or radiation, but be monitored and treated should the prostate cancer progress in volume or pathologic grade. Active Surveillance is the first line of management discussed in appropriate cases.

Our CT-guided Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Renal Tumors program has been expanded to include the UC Medical Center, working with the Department of Radiology Interventional Team headed by Dr. Ross Ristagno. Many patients with small renal lesions can be monitored without treatment. In cases where a renal tumor changes in dimensions or morphology, patients may be treated effectively by thermal therapy using cryoablation to freeze or radiofrequency energy to heat the lesion, thereby avoiding more invasive open or laparoscopic operative procedures. CT imaging technology is used to guide a small needle through the skin and into the kidney to freeze cancerous tissue. Patients are typically discharged the day after surgery, with return to regular activity in two weeks.

In addition to these innovations in diagnosis and treatment, the section provides a full range of treatments for urologic cancers including prostate, kidney, bladder, and male genital organs.

Dr. Ayman Mahdy, a fellowship-trained specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, continues to provide advanced video-urodynamics evaluation of voiding dysfunction for both men and women. This state-of-the-art evaluation provides a greater precision in identifying the cause of voiding symptoms and greater assurance that the proper treatment is chosen to fit the individual patient. Dr. Mahdy also offers a myriad of different treatment options (including non-invasive and minimally invasive) for voiding dysfunction, neurogenic bladder and other female pelvic floor disorders.

Dr. Abhinav Sidana completed his residency in Urology at the University of Cincinnati and then completed a fellowship in Urologic Oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. Since his return to the University of Cincinnati in 2017, Dr. Sidana has successfully established innovations in urologic cancer treatment. He established a multidisciplinary prostate cancer specialty clinic in which several disciplines including urology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology share in the evaluation of men with prostate cancer and guidance in choice of management, including:

Urology – Active surveillance, focal prostate cancer ablation using either cryotherapy or high intensity ultrasound combined with MRI targeting, robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Radiation Oncology – Radiation therapy including brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and proton beam radiation therapy.

Dr. Courtney Plattner specializes in open and minimally invasive surgeries of the urologic patient. She has been appointed Director of UC Urology Residency Program and continues to mold the residency program to best serve our residents with innovations in curriculum, mindfulness and well-being, and teaching – enlisting stakeholders to invest in creating a cohesive resident and faculty team with focus on education, quality patient care, and a safe hospital environment.

Pediatric Urology

The division of pediatric urology at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center performs the entire spectrum of pediatric urologic surgery. The world-renowned full-time pediatric urologists practice at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the largest and most prestigious pediatric facilities in the nation. The Cincinnati Children’s urology program is ranked No. 4 in the 2020-2021 list of Best Children’s Hospitals published by U.S. News & World Report.

Faculty:

Ayman Mahdy, MD, PhD, MBA (Chief)
Wesley Baas, MD
Mohamed Kamel, MD
Nilesh Patil, MD
Courtney Plattner, MD
Abhinav Sidana, MD

Pediatric Urology Faculty:

W. Robert DeFoor, Jr., MD
Eugene Minevich, MD
Paul H. Noh, MD
Pramod P. Reddy, MD
Curtis Sheldon, MD
Andrew Strine, MD
Brian VanderBrink, MD

Advanced Practice Providers:

Gerald Atkins, NP
Natalie Brosz, NP
Emily Green, PA
Lauren Hunter, NP
Jennifer Jue, PA
Brianna Tomasi, NP