Faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Urology are accomplished, practicing physicians who use a patient-centered approach to improve urologic health through the school’s partnership with Indiana University Health. By participating in medical research and engaging with students and colleagues on a regular basis, Department of Urology faculty apply research breakthroughs and the latest clinical trials to patient care. Many urologic treatments were developed at IU School of Medicine. That’s why patients from all over the world travel to Indianapolis to benefit from the advanced care provided by IU School of Medicine faculty to treat testicular cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, pediatric reconstruction, stone disease and more.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a focal treatment for prostate cancer that allows precise application of heat to destroy cancer tissue without heating the intervening tissue. HIFU is radiation-free and does not require incisions. Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Urology faculty physicians were among the first to acquire the system to provide HIFU for patient care.
Indiana Pouch
The Indiana Pouch is used around the world and was developed by IU School of Medicine faculty. It is a continent urinary reservoir, meaning no bag is necessary to store the urine outside the body. Instead of a bag, the right colon is removed from the rest of the bowel and re-fashioned into a pouch that can hold 600mL of fluid (equivalent to about two soda cans). The portion of small bowel that is naturally attached to this part of the colon has a natural valve in it that prevents urine from leaking. This part is brought out to the skin so that a catheter can be inserted six times per day to drain the pouch of its urine. Infections and stone formation can happen, so it is important to also wash the pouch (called irrigating) daily.