Urology & Urologic Surgery

The City of Hope Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology is  nationally recognized for its extensive expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Our surgeons are leaders in robotic-assisted prostatectomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy, both of which offer significant advances in improving patient quality of life. Our researchers and clinicians are developing innovative methods for preventing, detecting and treating genitourinary (GU) cancers, including those of the prostate, kidney, bladder, and testis.

As one of the first medical groups in the United States to perform robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci® surgical system, our physicians have performed more than any other site in the Western U.S. and the second in the entire U.S. The significant benefits to patients include quicker recovery times and decreased blood loss compared to patients undergoing conventional "open incision" procedures. We perform robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection for muscle-invasive bladder cancer  and have completed the largest number of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy procedures worldwide. In addition, we perform a number of procedures to treat kidney cancer/renal masses, which include radical nephrectomy, nephron-sparing surgery (open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted), and radio-frequency ablation (performed percutaneously or laparoscopically).

Our research projects are focused on the early diagnosis and prevention of prostate cancer, identification of high-risk prostate cancer patients and quality-of-life issues involving prostate cancer treatment. In addition, we are evaluating outcomes and patterns of cancer care for both prostate and bladder cancer and defining the difference between laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.

We look forward to working with the greater community and partnering with physicians to provide the highest quality genitourinary cancer care.

Timothy G. Wilson, MD

Pauline Collins and Martin Collins Family Chair in Urology

Director, Urology and Urologic Oncology

Director, Prostate Cancer Program