Dr. Emerson E. Harrison, MD, FACS is our board-certified urologist with over 27 years of experience in urologic surgery. Learn more about our services Dr. Harrison and his team offer below.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones develop when crystals separate from the urine and aggregate within the urinary tract. Magnesium-ammonium-phosphate stones occur in the presence of infection. Uric acid stones form in patients with gout. Certain drugs and supplements, such as vitamin C, can also increase the risk of stones. Although kidney stones can be incredibly painful, often they will pass without medical intervention. However, several treatment options are available to our patients when the kidney stone is larger. Patient care begins with a thorough evaluation of kidney stone size and factors such as lifestyle, medical history, and genetic background. With this information, Dr. Harrison will make a precise diagnosis and develop a treatment customized treatment plan.
Don’t let your pain depend on someone else’s convenience. Call our kidney stone hotline at 1-833-98STONE. Appointments available within 24 business hours.
Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)
Many patients experience anxiety about erectile dysfunction(ED). Our goal is to effectively treat this condition so patients can resume sexual intimacy with their partners. In many cases, men with ED can regain erectile function and resume sexual activity with a prescribed oral medication. When this fails to correct the problem, Dr. Harrison will work closely with the patient to find a therapy that produces a positive outcome.
Enlarged Prostate
Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition most men will face as they get older. Although the symptoms of BPH are similar to those for prostate cancer, it is not linked to and does not increase your risk of getting cancer. While not life-threatening, BPH can be uncomfortable and can lead to other urologic problems such as a weakened bladder, bladder or kidney infections, a complete block of the flow of urine or kidney failure. If you are experiencing trouble urinating it is important that you see a physician as soon as possible.
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is simply an infection of the urinary tract system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Bacteria are the most common cause, but fungi and viruses can also cause these infections. Most bacteria that enter the urinary tract are readily removed before urinary tract infection symptoms can occur. However, when bacteria overwhelm the body’s natural defenses, infections occur. An infection can occur anywhere in the urinary tract from the urethra up to the kidneys.
Most UTIs can be attributed to bacteria which already live in the bowel. Other microbes that can cause infection to the urinary tract include Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, both of which can be sexually transmitted.
Though anyone is susceptible to a UTI, women are especially prone to them, and many women may experience repeat infections. A shorter urethra in women allows bacteria quicker access to the bladder increasing the chance of infection. Depending on the type of infection and its frequency, UTI treatment can include antibiotics or antimicrobials. Other conditions, such as pregnancy, diabetes, and kidney stones may determine the length and type of treatment.
Urologic Cancers
Prostate Cancer-One out of every six men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers afflicting men in the country, second only to skin cancer. Not so long ago, the survival rate for prostate cancer was just 69 percent, in part because the disease was only diagnosed in its more advanced stages. Today, about 90 percent of all prostate cancers are caught early, leading to a much better prognosis.
Kidney Cancer – Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, occurs when a malignant tumor form in the tissue of the kidney. The primary function of the kidneys is to filter blood and remove excess water, salt and waste from the body. Kidney cancer can be difficult to detect as symptoms may be mild or nonexistent if only one kidney is affected. The most common sign of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, but other symptoms may include persistent pain in the back or abdomen, feeling fatigued, fever not related to an illness, or rapid, unexplained weight loss. Most kidney cancer cases occur after the age of fifty. Men are more than twice as likely to get kidney cancer as women. Obesity and high blood pressure are also risk factors for kidney cancer.
Ureter Cancer -Ureter cancer is the most uncommon urologic cancer. It occurs most often in older adults and in people who have previously been treated for bladder cancer. Treatment for cancer of the ureter most often involves surgery, but in certain cases, chemotherapy may be recommended.
Bladder Cancer– Each year, almost 71,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Men, Caucasians, and smokers have twice the risk of bladder cancer as the general population. Almost all the people who develop bladder cancer are over 55 years old. If diagnosed and treated in the early stages, bladder cancer is highly treatable.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a form of birth control for men that is meant to be permanent. During a vasectomy, Dr. Harrison closes or blocks the tubes that carry sperm. When the tubes are closed, sperm cannot leave a man’s body and cause pregnancy. Vasectomy blocks each vas deferens and keeps sperm out of the seminal fluid. The body absorbs the sperm instead of being ejaculated. Vasectomy is the most effective birth control for men. It is nearly 100 percent effective.
Our Providers:
Emerson E. Harrison, MD, FAC
