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Urology Associates

Private Service, Urology

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Forté Health Building, 132 Peterborough Street, Christchurch Central

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Description

Urology Associates is a large group of urological surgeons working full time in both public and private urology practice in Christchurch and Queenstown.

As well as caring for the urological problems of men such as prostate cancer and sexual dysfunction, we also offer comprehensive treatment of female urology and pelvic health as well as the care of children.

Services provided include:

Male Urology
Robotic surgery
Vasectomy & vasectomy reversal
Erectile dysfunction
Kidney stones
Prostate cancer 

Female Urology
Prolapse
Incontinence
Kidney stones
Cancer treatments
Urinary tract infections

Paediatric Urology
Circumcision
Undescended testicles & hernias
Bedwetting & incontinence
Urinary tract infections


Our urologists take turns to offer a monthly clinic in Queenstown. Procedures offered in Queenstown include cystoscopy, prostate biopsy and vasectomy. Surgery can be performed in  Christchurch.

What is Urology?
Urology is the branch of medicine that looks at diseases of the urinary system in females and the genitourinary system (urinary system plus genital organs) in males.

The urinary system is made up of the:

  • kidneys (where urine is formed from material filtered out of the blood)
  • ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
  • bladder (a balloon-like organ that stores urine)
  • sphincter muscles (muscles around the opening of the bladder into the urethra)
  • urethra (the tube that carries urine to the outside of your body). 

The male genital organs include the penis, scrotum and prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis and in front of the rectum. The urethra passes through the center of the prostate.

A doctor who specialises in disorders of the urinary system and also the male reproductive system is known as an urologist. 

Staff

We employ a dedicated team of nurse specialists who assist our urologists as well as a number of front and back office staff to make your journey through our services easier. We have a dedicated ACC co-ordinator to assist our patients who have ACC claims.

Consultants

How do I access this service?

Referral

We strongly recommend patients get a referral from a GP before booking an appointment with us.

Referral Expectations

Referrers: click here to find out how to refer patients to us and what information is required.

Fees and Charges Description

We are a Southern Cross Health Insurance Affiliated Provider and work with all health insurance providers.

Hours

Forté Health Building, 132 Peterborough Street, Christchurch Central

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Procedures / Treatments / Common Conditions

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a test that examines the content of urine for abnormal substances such as protein or signs of infection. This test involves urinating into a special container and leaving the sample to be studied.

Urinalysis is a test that examines the content of urine for abnormal substances such as protein or signs of infection. This test involves urinating into a special container and leaving the sample to be studied.

Urodynamic Tests

Urodynamic tests measure the storage of urine in the bladder and the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. Your doctor may want to do an urodynamic test if you are having symptoms that suggest problems with the muscles or nerves of your lower urinary system and pelvis.

Urodynamic tests measure the storage of urine in the bladder and the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. Your doctor may want to do an urodynamic test if you are having symptoms that suggest problems with the muscles or nerves of your lower urinary system and pelvis.
Proteinuria

This term means protein in the urine and may indicate that there is a problem with your kidneys.

This term means protein in the urine and may indicate that there is a problem with your kidneys.

Haematuria

This term means blood in the urine and may be the result of inflammation or other problems with your kidneys, blockages in your ureter, infection or other problems with your bladder or problems with your prostate.

This term means blood in the urine and may be the result of inflammation or other problems with your kidneys, blockages in your ureter, infection or other problems with your bladder or problems with your prostate.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A UTI is caused by an infection in the urinary tract. Women get UTIs more often than men. UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Drinking lots of water also helps by flushing out the bacteria. If the infection is in the bladder it is called cystitis. If the infection is in the kidneys it is called pyelonephritis.

A UTI is caused by an infection in the urinary tract. Women get UTIs more often than men. UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Drinking lots of water also helps by flushing out the bacteria.

If the infection is in the bladder it is called cystitis. If the infection is in the kidneys it is called pyelonephritis.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control is the involuntary passage of urine (passing urine without meaning to). There are many causes and types of incontinence, and many treatment options. Treatments range from simple exercises to surgery. Women experience incontinence more often than men, and this may result from muscle damage during pregnancy and childbirth or the changes associated with menopause. The most common type of urinary incontinence in women is stress incontinence. This is when urine leaks out when movements, such as coughing, laughing or sneezing put pressure on the bladder.

Urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control is the involuntary passage of urine (passing urine without meaning to). There are many causes and types of incontinence, and many treatment options. Treatments range from simple exercises to surgery. 
Women experience incontinence more often than men, and this may result from muscle damage during pregnancy and childbirth or the changes associated with menopause. The most common type of urinary incontinence in women is stress incontinence. This is when urine leaks out when movements, such as coughing, laughing or sneezing put pressure on the bladder.

Bladder Sling Procedures

Sling procedures are common surgical operations to stop stress incontinence. This is a condition where urine leaks out when movements, such as coughing, laughing or sneezing put pressure on the bladder. Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles supporting the urethra (tube that carries the urine out of the body) become weak and the urethra no longer works well as a valve to keep the urine in the bladder. Sometimes this results from the effects of childbirth. Sling procedures provide support to the weakened muscles by placing a stitch or strip of mesh under the urethra so that it won’t accidentally release urine when there is pressure on the bladder.

Sling procedures are common surgical operations to stop stress incontinence. This is a condition where urine leaks out when movements, such as coughing, laughing or sneezing put pressure on the bladder. Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles supporting the urethra (tube that carries the urine out of the body) become weak and the urethra no longer works well as a valve to keep the urine in the bladder. Sometimes this results from the effects of childbirth. Sling procedures provide support to the weakened muscles by placing a stitch or strip of mesh under the urethra so that it won’t accidentally release urine when there is pressure on the bladder.

Urinary Retention

Urinary retention, or abnormal holding of urine in the bladder, is a common urological problem. Possible causes of acute urinary retention (sudden inability to urinate) include a blockage in the urinary system, stress or nerve problems. Chronic urinary retention (some urine is always left in the bladder after emptying) may be caused by bladder muscle failure, nerve damage, or obstructions in the urinary tract. Treatment for urinary retention depends on the cause.

Urinary retention, or abnormal holding of urine in the bladder, is a common urological problem. Possible causes of acute urinary retention (sudden inability to urinate) include a blockage in the urinary system, stress or nerve problems. Chronic urinary retention (some urine is always left in the bladder after emptying) may be caused by bladder muscle failure, nerve damage, or obstructions in the urinary tract. Treatment for urinary retention depends on the cause.

Uterine or Bladder Prolapse

If the uterus (womb) or bladder slips out of position, this is referred to as a prolapse. It is caused when the supporting muscles become weak, allowing a part of the uterus or bladder to bulge into the vagina. The most common reason that these muscles become weak is childbirth, and a uterine prolapse or bladder prolapse (also called cystocoele) is more common in women who have had a lot of babies. Symptoms include pain, heaviness in the vaginal area and a frequent need to pass urine. In mild cases, exercises may help improve the symptoms, but women with more severe prolapses may need to have surgery.

If the uterus (womb) or bladder slips out of position, this is referred to as a prolapse. It is caused when the supporting muscles become weak, allowing a part of the uterus or bladder to bulge into the vagina. The most common reason that these muscles become weak is childbirth, and a uterine prolapse or bladder prolapse (also called cystocoele) is more common in women who have had a lot of babies. Symptoms include pain, heaviness in the vaginal area and a frequent need to pass urine. In mild cases, exercises may help improve the symptoms, but women with more severe prolapses may need to have surgery.

Bladder Cancer

What causes bladder cancer is not always clear, but the risk of developing bladder cancer can be increased by smoking, getting older, long term bladder problems and unsafe exposure to aniline dyes which are used in some industries. Bladder tumours usually form in cells lining the bladder. Once a tumour begins to enlarge, it may stay in the lining or grow into the wall of the bladder. If untreated, the tumour may then grow into other structures such as lymph nodes. If the cancer enters the bloodstream it may spread to other areas of the body (metastasis). Often the first symptom noticed is blood in the urine, other symptoms such as needing to pass urine more often or feeling as if you need to go but can’t affect about 1/3 of people with early bladder cancer. As the tumour grows these symptoms affect more people. The first test to diagnose bladder cancer is usually a urine sample. If cancer is suspected, the next step is usually a cytoscopy (a tube is inserted into the urethra to allow the doctor to look inside the bladder). If there is to be a tumour the doctor can take a small sample (biopsy) for testing. CT or MRI scans are also used to scan the body to see if the cancer has spread to other areas. Treatment depends on the size of the tumour and how much it has grown into the bladder wall.

What causes bladder cancer is not always clear, but the risk of developing bladder cancer can be increased by smoking, getting older, long term bladder problems and unsafe exposure to aniline dyes which are used in some industries.

Bladder tumours usually form in cells lining the bladder. Once a tumour begins to enlarge, it may stay in the lining or grow into the wall of the bladder. If untreated, the tumour may then grow into other structures such as lymph nodes.
If the cancer enters the bloodstream it may spread to other areas of the body (metastasis). 

Often the first symptom noticed is blood in the urine, other symptoms such as needing to pass urine more often or feeling as if you need to go but can’t affect about 1/3 of people with early bladder cancer.  As the tumour grows these symptoms affect more people.

The first test to diagnose bladder cancer is usually a urine sample. 
If cancer is suspected, the next step is usually a cytoscopy (a tube is inserted into the urethra to allow the doctor to look inside the bladder). If there is to be a tumour the doctor can take a small sample (biopsy) for testing.
CT or MRI scans are also used to scan the body to see if the cancer has spread to other areas.

Treatment depends on the size of the tumour and how much it has grown into the bladder wall.

Kidney Stones

This term refers to stones in the urinary system. They form in the kidneys but can be found anywhere in the urinary system. They vary in size and the amount of pain they cause. Many of these stones can pass though without help but some require medical intervention. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most frequently used procedure for the treatment of kidney stones. In ESWL, shock waves that are created outside the body travel through the skin and body tissues until they hit the denser stones. The stones break down into very small particles and are easily passed through the urinary tract in the urine.

This term refers to stones in the urinary system. They form in the kidneys but can be found anywhere in the urinary system. They vary in size and the amount of pain they cause. Many of these stones can pass though without help but some require medical intervention. 

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most frequently used procedure for the treatment of kidney stones. In ESWL, shock waves that are created outside the body travel through the skin and body tissues until they hit the denser stones. The stones break down into very small particles and are easily passed through the urinary tract in the urine.

Kidney (Renal) Failure

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys cannot remove waste products from the blood or control the amount of water in your body. Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly and may be the result of injury, loss of large amounts of blood, drugs or poisons. Kidneys may return to normal function if they are not too badly damaged.

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys cannot remove waste products from the blood or control the amount of water in your body. Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly and may be the result of injury, loss of large amounts of blood, drugs or poisons. Kidneys may return to normal function if they are not too badly damaged. 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

This is an enlargement of the prostate gland. In BPH there may be difficulties in passing urine as the enlarged prostate can cause a blockage. Patients with BPH often notice an increased urge to empty the bladder, especially at night. Many men over 60 years of age have some BPH. There are many different treatment options available for people with BPH. Most commonly your doctor can prescribe tablets to improve urinary function.

This is an enlargement of the prostate gland. In BPH there may be difficulties in passing urine as the enlarged prostate can cause a blockage.
Patients with BPH often notice an increased urge to empty the bladder, especially at night.
Many men over 60 years of age have some BPH. There are many different treatment options available for people with BPH. Most commonly your doctor can prescribe tablets to improve urinary function.

Prostatitis

This is the term used to describe inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms can include increased need to pass urine and pain on passing urine as well as perhaps lower back pain. Sometimes this inflammation is due to an infection and an antibiotic will be prescribed, otherwise pain relief medication may be prescribed.

This is the term used to describe inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms can include increased need to pass urine and pain on passing urine as well as perhaps lower back pain.
Sometimes this inflammation is due to an infection and an antibiotic will be prescribed, otherwise pain relief medication may be prescribed.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer typically consists of many very small, tumours within the prostate. At this stage, the disease is often curable (rates of 90% or better) with standard treatments such as surgery or radiation. Unfortunately, at this stage the cancer produces few or no symptoms and can be difficult to detect. If untreated and allowed to grow, the cells from these tumours can spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis. Once the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, cure rates drop dramatically. In most cases, prostate cancer is a relatively slow-growing cancer, which means that it typically takes a number of years for the disease to become detectable, and even longer to spread beyond the prostate. However, a small percentage of patients experience more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Treatments options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation, hormone treatment and chemotherapy. Which treatment is chosen depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer and the patient’s age, other health issues and willingness to undergo certain procedures or therapies – some of which may have side effects.

Prostate cancer typically consists of many very small, tumours within the prostate.  At this stage, the disease is often curable (rates of 90% or better) with standard treatments such as surgery or radiation. Unfortunately, at this stage the cancer produces few or no symptoms and can be difficult to detect.

If untreated and allowed to grow, the cells from these tumours can spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis. Once the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, cure rates drop dramatically.

In most cases, prostate cancer is a relatively slow-growing cancer, which means that it typically takes a number of years for the disease to become detectable, and even longer to spread beyond the prostate.  However, a small percentage of patients experience more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. 

Treatments options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation, hormone treatment and chemotherapy. Which treatment is chosen depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer and the patient’s age, other health issues and willingness to undergo certain procedures or therapies – some of which may have side effects.

Vasectomy

A tiny incision (cut) is made in the scrotum and a short length of the vas deferens (the tube carrying sperm away from the testicles where it is produced) is removed.

A tiny incision (cut) is made in the scrotum and a short length of the vas deferens (the tube carrying sperm away from the testicles where it is produced) is removed.

Undescended Testes

Undescended testes occur in less then 4% of children, and are more common in premature babies. Many “undescended” testes are simply lying very high in the groin and can be brought down by hand, and some true undescended testes will come down by themselves in the first year of life. After one year, undescended testes always remain so. It is important for your GP to refer your child to a paediatric surgeon (children’s surgeon) if the testes are not felt in the scrotum. If not treated there may be problems in adult life with infertility or an increased risk of cancer of the undescended testis. A surgeon will see your child in a hospital outpatient clinic. What will happen at the appointment? The surgeon will examine your child carefully to see if the testis can be felt in the body. If the testis can be felt, a simple operation under general anaesthetic (putting your child to sleep during the operation) would be performed between 9 and 12 months of age. If the testes cannot be felt, a different type of operation would be performed so that the surgeon can check where the testes are. In some cases, the testes are absent. Both types of surgery involve an overnight stay in hospital.

Undescended testes occur in less then 4% of children, and are more common in premature babies. Many “undescended” testes are simply lying very high in the groin and can be brought down by hand, and some true undescended testes will come down by themselves in the first year of life. After one year, undescended testes always remain so.

It is important for your GP to refer your child to a paediatric surgeon (children’s surgeon) if the testes are not felt in the scrotum. If not treated there may be problems in adult life with infertility or an increased risk of cancer of the undescended testis. A surgeon will see your child in a hospital outpatient clinic.

What will happen at the appointment?
The surgeon will examine your child carefully to see if the testis can be felt in the body. If the testis can be felt, a simple operation under general anaesthetic (putting your child to sleep during the operation) would be performed between 9 and 12 months of age. If the testes cannot be felt, a different type of operation would be performed so that the surgeon can check where the testes are. In some cases, the testes are absent.

Both types of surgery involve an overnight stay in hospital.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Children

What is a urine infection? A urine infection is the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract (bladder and kidneys). Urine should be sterile (free of bacteria). Why did my child get a urine infection? Approximately 1% of boys and 3% of girls get a urine infection in the first ten years of life. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract from the skin around the urethra (where the urine normally comes out), or occasionally from infection within the body. Constipation can contribute to a urine infection and children who hold on to their wees for long periods are also at risk of developing a urine infection. Some children will have a blockage in the urinary tract, or a back flow of urine from the bladder towards the kidneys (called vesico-ureteric reflux VUR) which has cause the infection. How is the urine infection treated? A course of antibiotics will treat a urine infection. If your child is vomiting or too unwell to take antibiotics by mouth, hospitalisation for intravenous (in the vein) antibiotics may be needed. Antibiotics should improve symptoms within 48 hours. If they have not, see your GP. Why does my child need to have tests done? All babies and very young children should have tests done to check their urinary tract. In up to 40% of young children with a urine infection, there is a back flow of urine towards the kidneys, and in a very small percentage there is a blockage in the urinary tract. These conditions stop the urine flowing normally and make children more likely to have repeated urine infections. Blockages and severe VUR may need to be repaired with surgery, and VUR may need long term treatment with antibiotics to help prevent kidney scarring and possible kidney failure. It is important therefore to take antibiotics until the tests are done, in case VUR is diagnosed. What tests will be done? The tests your GP has referred you for may include: kidney ultrasound: It shows the size and shape of the kidneys and is usually done about one month after referral micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG): this test uses x-rays to see dye moving out of the bladder. It will detect back flow of urine (VUR) and blockages in the urinary tract.

What is a urine infection?
A urine infection is the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract (bladder and kidneys). Urine should be sterile (free of bacteria).

Why did my child get a urine infection?
Approximately 1% of boys and 3% of girls get a urine infection in the first ten years of life. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract from the skin around the urethra (where the urine normally comes out), or occasionally from infection within the body. Constipation can contribute to a urine infection and children who hold on to their wees for long periods are also at risk of developing a urine infection. Some children will have a blockage in the urinary tract, or a back flow of urine from the bladder towards the kidneys (called vesico-ureteric reflux VUR) which has cause the infection.

How is the urine infection treated?
A course of antibiotics will treat a urine infection. If your child is vomiting or too unwell to take antibiotics by mouth, hospitalisation for intravenous (in the vein) antibiotics may be needed. Antibiotics should improve symptoms within 48 hours. If they have not, see your GP.

Why does my child need to have tests done?
All babies and very young children should have tests done to check their urinary tract. In up to 40% of young children with a urine infection, there is a back flow of urine towards the kidneys, and in a very small percentage there is a blockage in the urinary tract. These conditions stop the urine flowing normally and make children more likely to have repeated urine infections. Blockages and severe VUR may need to be repaired with surgery, and VUR may need long term treatment with antibiotics to help prevent kidney scarring and possible kidney failure. It is important therefore to take antibiotics until the tests are done, in case VUR is diagnosed.

What tests will be done?
The tests your GP has referred you for may include:

  • kidney ultrasound: It shows the size and shape of the kidneys and is usually done about one month after referral
  • micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG): this test uses x-rays to see dye moving out of the bladder. It will detect back flow of urine (VUR) and blockages in the urinary tract. 

Disability Assistance

Wheelchair access, Wheelchair accessible toilet, Mobility parking space

Refreshments

Forte Health, Christchurch: STAT Espresso serve great coffee, snacks and lunch.

Parking

Forte Health Building, Christchurch: free patient parking is available onsite. The car park can be accessed from both Peterborough and Kilmore streets, but entrance to the building is only from the north entrance.

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Contact Details

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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Ground Floor, Forte Health Building, 132 Peterborough Street
Christchurch Central
Christchurch
Canterbury 8013

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Street Address

Ground Floor, Forte Health Building, 132 Peterborough Street
Christchurch Central
Christchurch
Canterbury 8013

Postal Address

Urology Associates
PO Box 917
Christchurch 8140

This page was last updated at 10:17AM on October 17, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by Urology Associates.