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Urology

Urologists are highly trained to treat disorders of the male and female urinary tract (bladder, ureter, kidney, and urethra) and the male reproductive system. Urology is classified as a surgical subspecialty, but since a wide variety of clinical problems are encountered when treating urological conditions, knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and other specialties is required.

Tara Kirkpatrick, M.D.

Urology

Urology P.C.

Bachelor of Science in Biology from Regis University in Denver, CO 

Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center

Urology Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center

My husband and I both grew up in Lincoln. After finishing residency, we moved back to Lincoln to be close to our families. We have a 4 year old daughter, 2 year old twin boys, a Bernese Mountain Dog and a live-in nanny at our house. 

What led you to your career? I was interested in medicine for as long as I can remember. It was the perfect coupling of humanities and science. Watching my dad suffer through a cancer diagnosis and ultimately die in my early twenties solidified my career choice.  

What do you love most about your job?As cliche as it sounds, helping people.

What interests and passions do you have outside of work? In my limited time outside work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outside and cooking. 

What advice do you give your patients to stay healthy? Everything in moderation.

What do you love most about working at a rural critical access hospital?The people–the staff are always helpful and patients are so appreciative. It makes it a lot easier to do my job when everyone is so friendly.

Simone Vampola, MSN, APRN

Urology

Urology P.C.

B.S. Nursing – Nebraska Wesleyan University

Masters of Science in Nursing – University of Nebraska Medical Center

Post graduate certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Certification through American Nurses Credentialing Center

Simone joined Urology, P.C. as a Registered Nurse in 2008 and began practicing as an APRN in 2013

Contact: (402) 759-4924 or email specialtyclinic@myfch.org

What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. BPH is a very common condition that affects over 40 million Americans and over 500 million aging men worldwide. Over 40% of men in their sos and over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH1. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man’s quality of life.

As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as:

  • Frequent need to urinate both day and night
  • Weak or slow urinary stream
  • A sense that you cannot completely empty your bladder
  • Difficulty or delay in starting urination
  • Urgent feeling of needing to urinate
  • A urinary stream that stops and starts

If you suffer from the above symptoms, you are not alone. BPH is the leading reason men visit a urologist. 2 You can measure the severity of your BPH symptoms by taking the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire.

The Urolift® System Treatment

What is the Urolift System?

Treatment with the Urolift® System uses a minimally invasive approach that provides rapid relief and recovery of BPH symptoms. It is an earlier treatment option that can get men off BPH medications and avoid major surgery. The goal of the Urolift System treatment is to relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily activities.

The Urolift® System treatment has demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life for patients that is greater than reported for medications. The Urolift® System is the only BPH procedure shown not to cause new and lasting erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction*, while being a safe and effective treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH.

How Does The UROLIFT® System Work?

The Urolift® System uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only available BPH treatment performed by a urologist that does not require heating, cutting, or removal of the prostate tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may be a good candidate if you are a male, 45 years of age or older, and have symptoms relating to BPH. Speak with your urologist to see if the Urolift® System treatment is right for you. If you have a known allergy to nickel, titanium or stainless steel, talk to your doctor about your allergy before getting a Urolift System treatment.

If you and your doctor decide that the Urolift® System treatment is right for you, your doctor will provide you with more detailed information relating to the treatment. In general, the Urolift System is a minimally invasive treatment that entails minimal downtime. Your doctor will use the Urolift Delivery Device to deploy permanent implants to relieve obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate that is pressing on your urethra. The procedure, which usually takes about an hour, may be performed under local or general anesthesia and you may be given medication to feel comfortable during the treatment. This typically helps minimize discomfort during the procedure, though everyone’s definition for pain and discomfort varies greatly. Typically, no catheter and no overnight stay is required post-treatment.

After the treatment, patients typically go home the same day without a catheter. There is minimal downtime post­treatment and many patients experience symptom relief in as early as 2 weeks. Patients may experience some urinary discomfort during the recovery period. Most common side effects are mild to moderate and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate and/or the inability to control the urge. Most symptoms resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure.

Clinical studies have shown the Urolift® System treatment does not cause new, sustained instances of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction. The same cannot always be said of other BPH therapies such as TURP, laser, and even medication.

The Urolift® System treatment is covered by Medicare and all major private insurers. Contact your insurance provider for your specific coverage information.

Talking to Your Doctor about BPH

BPH is a very common condition and is one of the leading reasons men visit a urologist. Whether you have just started experiencing symptoms or if you’ve tried various medications or even surgery, there are a range of treatment options available.

Before you visit the doctor’s office, you can take this BPH Symptom Quiz, designed by the American Urological Association, to determine the severity of your symptoms. We will discuss your symptoms together to decide which treatment option is best for you.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss your BPH symptoms with us.