The Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury Urology Service is based at Christchurch Hospital with an additional service at the Burwood Spinal Unit. The Waitaha Canterbury Urology Service provides inpatient and outpatient urological services. Urology inpatients are looked after in the Urology Unit on Level 2 of Christchurch Women’s Hospital, where there are 16 inpatient beds available. Outpatient clinics involve an initial assessment, procedures/treatment and follow-up appointments. Patients are seen by consultant urologists, urology registrars or urology Clinical Nurse Specialists.
The nine urologists that form the Urology Service offer urological expertise and treatment to adult and paediatric patients for the largest range of urological conditions of any service in New Zealand. As well as a busy uro-oncology and endo-urology service, we also offer neuro-urology at the Burwood Spinal Unit, paediatric urology, female and functional urology and reconstructive urology.
Within the Waitaha Canterbury Urology Service, there are four specialist uro-oncologists, who have subspecialty interests in robotic and minimally-invasive surgery in the treatment of prostate cancer. We have two specialist paediatric urologists, who also treat paediatric patients across the South Island. The other subspecialties offered by the Urology Service include reconstruction, pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, spinal injury management and the treatment of kidney stones.
There is a strong ward nursing staff as well as a number of Clinical Nurse Specialists and administrative support team who manage the activity within the Service and coordinate patient care across other services and external providers.
Urology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the surgical and medical diseases of the male and female urinary tract system and the male reproductive organs. It incorporates both operative and non-operative treatments for urological problems of men, women and children.
The urinary system consists of:
Urology also encompasses the male reproductive organs including the penis, prostate and testes. If you need help to urinate or to reproduce, urologists are likely involved.
Urology also deals with some of the most sensitive parts of health, including sexual function, fertility, urinary continence and gender identity. For this reason, urologists are well-versed in having complex, quality of life conversations and delivering compassionate care.
Urology is a unique blend of clinical medicine and surgery. Urologists are able to counsel patients on lifestyle modifications for their bladder issues or kidney stones, perform cystoscopies and biopsies in clinic, or have the opportunity to perform long and complex surgeries. Cases are varied both procedurally and in complexity and use the latest technology.
A referral to a urologist comes from your GP or another specialist within the hospital setting. Referrals are prioritised based on the information in the referral, to determine how quickly you will be seen by a urologist.
This is cancer of the bladder, of both the bladder wall or more invasively into the bladder muscle. Causes of cancer in the bladder are varied but can be associated with smoking, chronic bladder issues, increasing age, and exposure to certain chemicals.
For more information, refer to the below patient information sheets:
Intravesical BCG Immunotherapy (PDF, 200KB)
Transurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumour (TURBT) (PDF, 230KB)
Total Cystectomy and Formation of Ileal Conduit (PDF, 230KB)
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) - Cystectomy (PDF, 200KB)
This is a procedure for urologists to see what is going on inside the bladder and urethra. It is used to investigate bladder symptoms, including blood in the urine, urinary tract infections, or to see if any stones are present in the bladder.
Cystoscopy in Clinic (PDF, 130KB)
Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PDF, 130KB)
Rigid and Flexible Cystoscopy (PDF, 200KB)
Bladder Neck Incision (BNI) (PDF, 170KB)
On occasion, the bladder is unable to remove the urine and a catheter (tube) is required to help drain the urine out of the bladder and remove it from the body.
Intermittent Catheter Recommendations (PDF, 100KB)
Catheter Care at Home (PDF, 250KB)
Clean Intermittent Catheterisation - Female (PDF, 250KB)
Clean Intermittent Catheterisation - Male (PDF, 230KB)
This condition is when the bladder contracts to release urine suddenly, without warning and when the bladder is not full. This results in feelings of urgency and frequency and may also lead to urinary leakage.
Intravesical Botox (PDF, 140KB)
Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PDF, 200KB)
Urodynamic tests study how well the bladder, sphincter muscles and urethra store and release urine. They will identify if the bladder or urethra have any obstructions that affect the flow of urine. Urodynamics can be performed by x-ray or ultrasound.
Urodynamics (x-ray) (PDF, 130KB)
Urodynamics (ultrasound) (PDF, 170KB)
Kidney stones (renal calculi) is the term to describe hard deposits that are found inside your urinary tract. They are formed in your kidneys but can be found anywhere in the urinary system. Although they don’t cause serious damage, severe pain is commonly experienced as they pass through the urinary tract. Diet and lifestyle factors have a significant impact on the formation of these stones.
Dietary Advice for Stone Formers (PDF, 180KB)
If the stone causes a blockage, urine can’t pass readily through the kidneys to the bladder and a stent or external urinary drainage tube may be required to drain the urine.
Nephrostomy Tube Care (PDF, 220KB)
Removing your Stent (PDF, 200KB)
If further interventional treatment is required, there are several techniques that urologists can use to break the stones up so they can be passed more easily.
While the treatment and management of medical conditions that affect the kidneys are looked after by nephrologists (also known as renal physicians), urologists treat surgical diseases of the kidney, which includes cancer of the kidneys. If cancer in the kidney is discovered, surgery may be required to remove all or part of the kidney.
Watch and Wait for Kidney Cancer (PDF, 170KB)
BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland, which gradually increases in severity as men age. Due to this enlargement, men with BPH can often experience urinary problems, including an increased urge to pass urine and blockages. If this occurs, surgery may be required to relieve the urinary symptoms.
This is a procedure for urologists to remove samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate using a small needle, particularly to determine if cancer is present. It is the best method to reliably diagnose prostate cancer.
Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy (PDF, 170KB)
Transperineal Prostate Biopsy (PDF, 200KB)
What Happens after a Prostate Biopsy (PDF, 260KB)
This is the cancer of the prostate, a small gland in males that produces seminal fluid for the transport of sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, however often it is slow growing and remains confined to the prostate gland. Signs of prostate cancer can include difficulty passing urine, blood in the urine and/or semen, and erectile dysfunction. Some slow growing prostate cancers may need minimal or no treatment at all, with just a watch and wait method used. Other prostate cancers may be more aggressive and require invasive treatment.
Radical Prostatectomy (PDF, 260KB)
Continence Care following Radical Prostatectomy (PDF, 190KB)
Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer (PDF, 180KB)
Watch and Wait for Prostate Cancer (PDF, 160KB)
Finding out about prostate cancer (Video)
Haematuria stands for blood in your urine. It does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, but it does need to be investigated by a medical professional. Most cases of haematuria are related to your bladder or kidneys. There are many different reasons for having blood in your urine, and commonly include infection or inflammation. Kidney stones or prostate issues can also result in blood being found in your urine, so it needs to be checked out.
Cystoscopy in Clinic (PDF, 130KB)
Flexible Cystoscopy (PDF, 200KB)
Urinary Retention
This is a condition where someone cannot empty their bladder completely of urine. Urinary retention is more common in older people and men, although all people can experience it.
It can present itself as either acute retention (sudden inability to urinate), or chronic retention (gradual inability to completely empty the bladder of urine). Acute urinary retention is very serious and needs medical attention sought immediately. Chronic retention can cause complications and a doctor should be sought if symptoms persist. Treatment depends on the cause of the retention.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A urinary tract infection is any infection that is present within the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra). It is a very common type of infection, moreso in women than in men, and can be readily treated with antibiotics. UTIs can be one-off or become recurrent, if there are multiple cases of infection within a short timeframe. Most UTIs result in pain or burning with passing urine, frequent urination, urination even with an empty bladder and even blood in the urine.
Urethral Strictures
The urethra is the tube that takes urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. If there is scar tissue or inflammation, the urethra can become narrowed (stricture) and the flow of urine is obstructed, leading to a number of urinary issues. Several surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to repair the stricture.
Dilatation for Urethral Strictures (PDF, 50KB)
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence describes the uncontrolled and accidental leakage of urine and loss of bladder control, triggered by stress on the bladder (exercise, coughing, sneezing) or urgency where there is the sudden and intense need to pass urine immediately. Urinary incontinence can occur in anyone, although it is more commonly associated with older people and women as a result of pregnancy and childbirth or after the hormonal changes of menopause. There are several methods available to treat the different varieties of urinary incontinence that can present themselves. Some cases of urinary incontinence treatment focus on retraining the bladder, while others may require more invasive treatment.
Intravesical Botox (PDF, 140KB)
Urinary Incontinence (Female) (PDF, 170KB)
Rectus Fascial Sling (PDF, 210KB)
Retropubic Mesh (TVT) Sling (PDF, 220KB)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more organs found in the female pelvis weaken and slip from their normal position, creating a bulge in the vagina. Such organs that can slip (prolapse) include uterus, bowel, bladder or the top of the vagina. It can lead to significant pain and discomfort and can get progressively worse if left untreated. Surgical and non-surgical interventions are available to attempt to repair the prolapse.
Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac that forms around a testicle and is often first noticed as swelling in the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns and frequently go away without treatment.
Hypospadias
This is a common birth defect in boys formed during pregnancy where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis but located somewhere else along the penile shaft. It results in a penis that may have problems working normally. There are a variety of surgical techniques that can fix the problem.
Phimosis (tight foreskin)
In babies and young boys, the foreskin doesn’t retract, and no special care is required for the foreskin. However, sometimes older boys may experience problems with a tight foreskin not retracting. This may result in bulges or pain in the penis when urinating. A tight foreskin is not necessarily a problem unless it is associated with swelling or pain with urination, or frequent urinary tract infections. Phimosis can be managed by your GP with a steroid cream applied to the area for several weeks. In rare cases, circumcision may be recommended.
Circumcision (in Adults) (PDF, 200KB)
Undescended Testes
An undescended testicle is a testicle that hasn’t moved down into its proper place in the scrotum before birth and remains inside the boy’s abdomen. If the testes don’t drop into the scrotum, they may not function normally and produce sperm as they should, resulting in issues later in life.
Team photo from left to right: Frank Kueppers, Giovanni Losco, Kevin Bax, Louise Rouse, Jane MacDonald, Stephen Mark, Nick Buchan and George Acland.
Mr Giovanni Losco (Clinical Director)
Dr George Acland
Mr Kevin Bax
Mr Nick Buchan
Dr Frank Kueppers
Dr Jane MacDonald
Mr Stephen Mark
Dr Louise Rouse
Level 2, Christchurch Women’s Hospital
Phone: (03) 364 4307
Phone: 03 364 0366
Level 4, Christchurch Outpatients building
Phone: 03 364 1176
Page last updated: 9 December 2024
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