Robotic Urology Surgery, Digital Scopes & More

At Apex Urology, we have a longstanding dedication to innovation and technologies that improve patients’ lives and well-being. Our practice is led by Dr. Ryan Hedgepeth, who has been a prominent leader in surgical technology and innovation in urology for the last two decades.

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Unmatched Surgical Experience

Dr. Hedgepeth has pioneered the integration of robotic-assisted surgery, enhancing precision in complex procedures such as prostatectomies, nephrectomies, and cystectomies. He has actively contributed to the development and implementation of minimally invasive techniques in both the operating room as well as in the clinic, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes. His commitment to advanced imaging technologies and their application in urologic procedures has further solidified his reputation as an innovator.

A Legacy of Innovation

Dr. Hedgepeth has mentored numerous fellow surgeons, collaborated on improvement initiatives across specialties, and dedicated his career to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in surgical practices. His legacy continues to this day with the founding of Apex Urology, the first concierge urology practice in Ohio.

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Accomplishments

A selection of Dr. Hedgepeth’s accomplishments innovating care to improve patient lives:

Early adopter of the Da Vinci surgical platform, now a master surgeon with more than 2,000 robotic cases of experience since 2005
Created the first multi-disciplinary robotic surgery program in North Dakota in 2010, where he performed the first robotic partial nephrectomy and robotic cystectomy in state history that year, becoming one of the first surgeons in the world to do these cases robotically
Guided the robotic surgery program at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans to complete one of the first completely intracorporeal Whipple procedures (for pancreatic cancer) in the United States, the first in the southeastern U.S.
Former Chief of Urology and Specialty Surgery at OhioHealth, where he started, hired, developed, and managed a large, employed Urology group and created programs of excellence in urologic oncology and stone disease
Performed the first fusion-guided prostate biopsy in central Ohio in 2015
Completed the first cases of multiple complex robotic surgery cases in central Ohio, including the first robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer and the first robotic inguinal lymph node dissection for penile cancer
Developed multiple innovative care paths while at OhioHealth, such as the rapid stone management path for patients suffering from kidney stones, and the early recovery after surgery (ERAS) path for bladder cancer patients after cystectomy
Directed the OhioHealth system robotics surgery program, where he trained robotic surgery fellows and modernized the credentialing system for robotic surgeries
Published numerous peer-reviewed articles, over the last two decades, on improving surgical outcomes using advanced technology

Surgical Technology

Dr. Hedgepeth and our team at Apex Urology are experts in the latest surgical urology technology. Among the innovations we use are:

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System

The most advanced surgery system in health care allows surgeons to perform complex, minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision and control. Using a console, surgeons operate robotic arms equipped with tiny instruments and a 3D high-definition camera, achieving greater accuracy in delicate surgeries, such as those for prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and lymph node removal.

Image Guided Robotic-Assisted Surgery

In addition to the Da Vinci system, we utilize the Aquablation system for enlarged prostate treatment. Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a high-velocity water jet to remove excess prostate tissue. This technology provides treatment planning and guidance with robotic assistance, a feature similar to AI. Real-time imaging allows Aquablation to precisely target tissue without heat, thereby reducing the risks of side effects and preserving sexual and urinary functions.

Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

This treatment targets only cancerous areas with the goal of preserving healthy tissue. Focal therapy technologies include cryoablation, which uses extreme cold to destroy kidney and prostate tumors, and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which is a non-invasive treatment for localized prostate cancer.

Advanced Digital Scopes and Lasers

Marked improvements in digital technology over the last decade have led to advantages in visualization and treatments using smaller scopes for urinary surgery. Digital technology in scopes is now used to improve cancer detection, as well as reduce side effects for the treatment of kidney stones.

Office Technology

In addition to surgical advances, Apex Urology also makes use of a variety of cutting-edge office-based technology, including:

Pro-Nox Analgesia System

This system delivers patient-controlled analgesia for comfortable in-office procedures. Pro-Nox provides patient-controlled pain and anxiety relief using a 50/50 blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Safe and fast-acting, it’s commonly used during minimally invasive procedures to enhance comfort without prolonged recovery. Apex Urology offers patients the option of using Pro-Nox for all of its office-based procedures.

High-Resolution Ultrasound

Providing detailed imaging for diagnosing kidney stones, prostate, and bladder conditions, high-resolution ultrasound often surpasses traditional ultrasound’s resolution. This technology aids in diagnosing and guiding targeted prostate biopsies and detecting smaller lesions, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in real-time.

Prostate Fusion Biopsy System

This technology combines MRI and ultrasound imaging to enhance the accuracy of prostate cancer biopsies. By fusing MRI-derived images with real-time ultrasound, it allows for precise targeting of suspicious lesions, improving the likelihood of detecting cancer while minimizing the need for unnecessary biopsies.

The InMode Empower RF System

Apex Urology is one of the first practices in the state of Ohio to utilize this non-surgical treatment platform, which uses radiofrequency (RF) energy for women’s wellness, targeting pelvic health, vaginal rejuvenation, and incontinence. It combines RF with minimally invasive technology to tighten tissues, improve muscle tone, and enhance sexual health, offering a quick, safe, and effective option for rejuvenation.

Genomic Testing for Cancer and Infection

Apex Urology uses highly specific genomic testing in diagnosing and managing prostate cancer and UTIs. For prostate cancer, it identifies gene markers to guide personalized treatment, improve early detection, and reduce unnecessary biopsies. In UTIs, genomic tests detect specific pathogens and resistance patterns, enabling precise, targeted antibiotic therapy.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Apex Urology uses PRP in certain urology, pelvic rejuvenation, and aesthetics cases for its regenerative properties. In urology, it aids tissue healing and can be used as an erectile dysfunction treatment. For pelvic rejuvenation, PRP supports vaginal tissue health and improves urinary incontinence, especially when used in conjunction with RF stimulation. In aesthetics, PRP enhances skin texture and reduces wrinkles by stimulating collagen production, offering a natural, minimally invasive solution.

High-Definition Cystoscopy

Apex Urology capitalizes on recent improvements in digital technology to improve office bladder visualization with smaller scopes that produce mega-pixel images.

Micro-Invasive Aesthetic Treatments

This FDA-approved technology uses controlled microneedling in combination with RF energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and skin tightening. These non-invasive procedures target a wide-variety of concerns, including wrinkles, loose skin, and cellulite, improving overall skin texture and tone. Common RF treatments include skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and vaginal rejuvenation.

Promoting Innovation & Happiness in Patient Experience

Apex Urology’s innovative patient experience is focused on enhancing comfort, accessibility, and engagement throughout the care journey. Apex Urology strives to improve care for our patients by prioritizing a true patient-centered approach, something that we believe leads to better outcomes and a more positive healthcare experience.

Personalized concierge care in urology offers numerous advantages, including enhanced access to our specialized services and tailored treatment plans that cater to individual patient needs. Patients benefit from extended appointment times, allowing for comprehensive discussions about their health concerns and preferences. This model fosters stronger physician-patient relationships, ensuring more attentive and proactive care. We prioritize individualized attention and a truly patient-centered approach to urologic care.

Our innovative in-office digital boards empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions. These boards provide accessible, engaging information about conditions and treatments, which we can then email you directly. No more ghastly doctor drawings you might not understand! When patients are well-informed, they feel more in control, reducing anxiety and fostering trust in healthcare providers, ultimately enhancing overall happiness and well-being.

As part of our concierge service, telemedicine enhances patient access, particularly for procedures and follow-up care. Through remote consultation, Apex Urology can assess patient needs, arrange procedures quickly without waiting for two in-person appointments, and address concerns right away, improving convenience. For patients interested in a specific procedure such as a vasectomy, telemedicine provides a quick forum for a fully informed consent discussion, reduces travel time, and can improve patient satisfaction both before and after the procedure. If you are interested in taking advantage of the quick option of a telemedicine consult or the Apex Urology No Fear Vasectomy package, please contact us.

Price transparency in a concierge urology practice enhances the patient experience by eliminating confusion and anxiety related to healthcare costs. Patients receive clear, upfront information about procedure costs, consultations, and potential out-of-pocket expenses, allowing for informed decision-making and financial planning. Because we also offer bundled pricing for services, patients can better understand the total investment in their care.

To schedule an appointment or reach out with questions, please visit our contact page.

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Address

4041 N. High St., Suite 101
Columbus, OH 43220

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Phone

Primary: 740-696-8318
Alternate: 614-456-7822

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Email

apex@apexuro.com