The Shannon Clinic Urology department provides a diverse spectrum of urologic
care including treatment of conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder,
prostate, and urinary tract. Three board-certified physicians with more
than 45 years of combined experience, a highly trained staff, and proficiency
in the latest treatments and technologies combine to give the clinic the
ability to keep patients at home for treatment. The clinic treats patients
of all ages.
Our clinic treats patients of all ages for conditions including:
Pediatric urology care with appropriate referral to pediatric urologists
for more complex cases
Urologic Cancer care for all urologic organs including kidney, bladder,
prostate, testicular, and penile cancers
Advanced treatment for complex kidney stone disease with laser treatment
of stones, as well as minimally invasive lithotripsy
Erectile dysfunction and penile implants for severe cases refractory to
other less invasive options
Testosterone replacement therapy with injection, transdermal, and hormone
pellet therapy
Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery for kidneys and prostates
Evaluation and treatment of all types of urinary incontinence including
surgical correction of stress incontinence
Minimally invasive treatment for BPH and prostate obstruction for appropriate
patients, including
Robotic Aquablation
Schedule an appointment with our urology clinic in San Angelo by calling us at
325.747.2231 today.
Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones often form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals
and salts to harden and bond together. They occur for a variety of reasons
including genetics, dehydration, obesity, certain diets, and other medical
conditions. There are also metabolic reasons for stones that can be complex
and evaluated by testing. Patients with kidney stones will often experience
severe pain on one side or the other with nausea and vomiting. Stones
can resolve on their own, but in many cases advanced treatment may be
needed depending on the size, location, and medical condition of the patient.
Treatment is individualized based on the location and size of the stone
with the goal of a single procedure for the patient.
A ureteroscope, a thin, lighted scope equipped with a camera, can be used
by the surgeon to remove the stones with a laser, essentially turning
them to dust to be easily flushed out of the body. This method does not
require an incision and offers a higher success rate than lithotripsy.
For appropriate patients, minimally invasive treatment with a lithotripsy
machine can be used to pulverize the stone for easy passage.
For more complex stones, percutaneous stone extraction can be used to access
directly into the kidney for removal.
After their first kidney stone, patients have a significant chance of developing
more within the five years to follow.
Urologists have found patients who have one stone are usually interested
in taking steps to ensure another one does not develop. To help with this,
Shannon’s urologists have established a program to determine the
cause of the first stone. Patients can be evaluated with a metabolic evaluation
to help find the cause and instructions are given to help prevent the
development of additional stones.
Cancer Care
Kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer can all be treated through our Clinic.
We make every attempt to offer quick access upon diagnosis. Our goal is
to see patients in our Clinic as soon as possible to begin assessment
and determine a plan for treatment.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in men— the
American Cancer Society states that 1 in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer in their lifetime.
Screening is recommended for men ages 55 to 70 and urologists look for
high risk factors that may indicate prostate cancer. Sometimes, a prostate
cancer biopsy is needed to determine if the area of concern is cancerous
or not. Shannon clinic offers MRI fusion biopsies to more accurately target
suspicious areas in the prostate for appropriate patients. If cancer is
present, treatment options include active surveillance, radiation, and
surgery. The course of treatment is determined on an individual basis.
If prostate surgery, a prostatectomy, is required, it can be performed
openly or robotically. Many prostatectomies in the US are now performed
robotically due to the benefits for the patient after surgery. The da
Vinci Xi Surgical System, the latest da Vinci model, is offered for appropriate
patients upon recommendation by the surgeon. Open radical prostatectomy
gives a very similar recovery and long-term outcome and is an option in
some circumstances. Discussion of the appropriate treatment option can
be discussed with the surgeon.
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is offered for several urologic treatments at Shannon Clinic.
For the patient:
Hospital stays are shorter
Less pain medication is required after surgery
Less tissue is disrupted with the robotic technique, and there is often
less blood loss
For robotic surgeries of all types, the surgeon is 100 percent in control
of the robotic-assisted da Vinci Xi System, which translates hand movements
into more precise movements of the minuscule instruments inside the patient’s body.
Specialized Urology Care
Urinary Incontinence Care Involuntary loss of urine, urinary incontinence, is a problem experienced
by millions of men and women.
Several methods of treatment can help soothe overactive bladders.
Botox injections, one method of treatment offered at our Clinic, helps
by calming the nerves that overstimulate the bladder muscles and cause
the urge to urinate. This can be used in severe cases refractory to noninvasive
treatments.
Women of advanced age experience incontinence more frequently, and incontinence
can affect all ages, races, and backgrounds. Our Clinic offers specialized
treatment for patients with incontinence, freeing them from the burden
of an overactive bladder and returning their quality of life.
Some types of incontinence justify surgical correction with a bladder suspension.
This commonly can be curative for stress incontinence in women.
In severe cases of male urinary incontinence refractory to conservative
management, Artificial urinary sphincter implants can be offered.
Testosterone Pellets Hormone pellet therapy is a convenient way to steadily dose testosterone
for hormone replacement therapy in adult males ages 30-75. The slow-release
hormones are designed to last 3-4 months and aid in certain conditions
causing low or absent testosterone in the body. Testopel testosterone
pellets are inserted just under the skin of the hip or other fatty area
during a 5-minute in-office procedure. The pellets are FDA-approved and
covered by most insurance providers. All Shannon Urology Providers are
able to offer this as a service to their patients. Other treatment options
of injection therapy as well as transdermal therapies can be offered to
appropriate patients as well.
Penile Implants
Penile implants are a treatment option for men who suffer from erectile
dysfunction. This type of treatment is when sexual dysfunction cannot
be treated by other methods. The urologist will work with you to determine
if this treatment option is suitable for you and your condition.
Pediatric Urology Care
Our Clinic offers urology services for pediatric patients. Appropriate
referrals to pediatric urology subspecialist will be made for more complex
cases. Medicaid is accepted. Referrals are accepted from all providers.
Help Is Available
It is important to visit with your healthcare provider about any family
history, questions, or concerns you may have regarding your health and
including urological conditions. A San Angelo urologist can help you determine
which course of treatment is right for you.
For more information on any of these conditions, please call
325.747.2231.
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