Prof Helen O'Connell

Overview

Professor O'Connell completed training in Urology in Australia in 1994 as the first female Urological Surgeon.   She then did formal Fellowship training in the US in 1994-5 in the management including surgery of all problems affecting function of the lower urinary tract in men and women. In 2023 she became the President of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. 

Using state of the art medical imaging including CT, MRI, US, fluoroscopic guidance, complex urodynamic testing, which complements over 25 years of experience as Consultant Urologist, the list of treatment options in which Professor O'Connell is credentialed to provide surgery predicated on an accurate diagnosis include:

Prostatic obstruction : medications, TURP, Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate, Urolift

Urinary incontinence : female - medications, slings, injections - Botulinum toxin, Bulkamid, artificial sphincters, peri-urethral adjustable balloons, prolapse surgery, major reconstruction - augmentation cystoplasty, ileovesicsotomy, ileal conduit, continent diversion with catheterisable stoma. 

Genital prolapse surgery including cystocele repair, vault suspension surgery.

Current focus is on mesh removal including robotic mesh removal. 

Urinary incontinence : male - slings, injections - Botulinum toxin, Bulkamid, artificial sphincters, major reconstruction - augmentation cystoplasty, ileovesicsotomy, ileal conduit, continent diversion with catheterisable stoma.  

Ureteroscopy and pyeloscopic treatment - flexible and rigid to permit laser disintegration of renal or ureteric stones and ablation of small tumours.

Bladder and prostate carcinoma - Professor O'Connell sees many patients with prostate and bladder malignancy particularly for the relief of suffering due to these conditions

Some of the surgery Professor O'Connell offers is collaborative with other surgeons including other Urologists, Urogynaecologists, Gynaecologists, Plastic Surgeons, Colorectal surgeons and others.   Professor O'Connell collaborates comprehensively with medical specialists, allied health and nursing experts. 

Surgery she does not offer:

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, open stone surgery, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, laparoscopic surgery and radical prostatectomy. 

Professor O'Connell is based at Epworth Freemasons Hospital.  She is also a surgeon at Melbourne Private Hospital.