Dr. Barbara Ercole, MD

Dr. Barbara Ercole, MD is a Urologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Urologic care at her clinic in Weston, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is your primary partner in preventing urinary and male reproductive health problems. She crafts personalized long-term health plans, coordinates essential screenings, and ensures your overall wellness. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 659-5000 to schedule.

Dr. Barbara Ercole, MD is a urologist in Weston, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field, bringing a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. With extensive experience in Urinary Calculi & Removal, she earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2003, followed by an internship at the University of Connecticut Health Science Center. Further specializing in Urology, she pursued fellowship training at the University of Texas Health Science Center. She is Board Certified in Urology by the American Board of Urology and affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Hospital. As an academic medical center, Cleveland Clinic Florida provides world-class care, upholding a mission to provide better care of the sick, investigating their problems, and further educating those who serve. They strive to provide Best-in-Class patient experiences and superior clinical outcomes. Dr. Ercole offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Barbara Ercole is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Barbara Ercole can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Barbara Ercole provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Noticing blood in your urine? Early detection of hematuria is crucial for preventing serious kidney or bladder issues.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and stress management can significantly reduce your risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
• Vesicoureteral Reflux: Preventing kidney infections and damage starts with understanding vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a condition where urine backs up into the kidneys; regular checkups can help detect VUR early and prevent serious health issues.
• Irradiation Cystitis: Irradiation cystitis is bladder inflammation caused by radiation therapy, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing potential side effects of cancer treatments to prevent long-term complications.
• Testicular Hypofunction: Testicular hypofunction can affect sexual health and fertility; proactive screenings and lifestyle changes can help prevent or manage the condition and its consequences.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Early detection of an enlarged prostate through regular screenings and doctor visits helps minimize future problems like urinary retention and bladder stones.
• Horseshoe Kidney: Having a horseshoe kidney means your kidneys are joined, potentially affecting their function and increasing your risk of infections; proactive monitoring and care can help prevent serious problems.
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a serious condition requiring proactive management to minimize long-term impact on urinary health and overall well-being. Early detection is key.
• Kidney Stones: Kidney stones often have preventable causes; by focusing on hydration and dietary adjustments, you can significantly lower your risk.
• Prostatic Abscess: Early detection of prostate problems, including infections, is crucial to prevent the development of a potentially dangerous prostatic abscess.
• End-Stage Renal Disease: Protecting your kidneys from damage through healthy lifestyle choices and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk of developing end-stage renal disease.
• Scrotal Pain: Don't ignore scrotal pain; addressing it early can help prevent long-term damage and preserve your reproductive health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Barbara Ercole offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Augmentation Cystoplasty: Augmentation cystoplasty is a surgical option that can help prevent complications and improve the long-term health of your bladder, reducing symptoms caused by bladder dysfunction.
• Cystometry: Don't let bladder issues impact your daily life. A cystometry test helps pinpoint bladder problems, leading to effective solutions and improved comfort.
• Partial Nephrectomy with Robotic Assist: This advanced surgical technique, a partial nephrectomy with robotic assist, allows for the precise removal of kidney tumors, acting as a proactive measure to help improve long-term survival and prevent the spread of cancer.
• Incomplete Circumcision Repair: Seeking repair for an incomplete circumcision allows for early intervention, addressing any potential issues before they become more serious.
• Nephrectomy with Robotic Assist: A minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery to remove a kidney, often used to treat kidney cancer or severe kidney damage, helping prevent further spread of disease.
• Cystectomy: A cystectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of your bladder, which may be necessary to treat bladder cancer or other serious bladder conditions, helping prevent further complications.
• Kidney and Ureter Removal: Kidney and ureter removal is a surgical procedure sometimes necessary to treat severe kidney or ureter damage or cancer, helping prevent further complications and improve overall health.
• Ureteroneocystostomy with Robotic Assist: Taking proactive steps to improve urinary tract health, ureteroneocystostomy with robotic assist is a surgical procedure to restore the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder, preventing further damage and improving kidney function.
• Cystotomy: A cystotomy helps prevent long-term bladder damage by providing a way to directly inspect the bladder for abnormalities, facilitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Bladder Scan: A bladder scan is a proactive step toward better urinary health, providing valuable information about your bladder's ability to empty completely and preventing future complications.
• Complex Penile Surgery: Complex penile surgery offers a chance to treat severe conditions, improving quality of life and potentially preventing complications like infections or sexual dysfunction.
• Nephrectomy: To address certain kidney conditions and potentially prevent life-threatening consequences, a nephrectomy may be recommended as a surgical solution.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Urology in Florida.

Dr. Barbara Ercole is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular checkups and discussing any unusual symptoms, a patient proactively identified and addressed potential hematuria concerns, significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This early intervention allowed the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle and peace of mind.
• By prioritizing a balanced diet and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing erectile dysfunction, gaining confidence and a renewed sense of well-being.
• By scheduling regular checkups, a family proactively identified and managed vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), significantly reducing the risk of kidney infections and promoting peace of mind regarding their child's long-term health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Urologic care with Dr. Barbara Ercole:

What is a Urologist?

Dr. Ercole and our team of urologists are surgical specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the urinary tract in both men and women, and the male reproductive system. We manage a wide range of issues, from kidney stones and urinary tract infections to cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidneys.

At what age should men start discussing prostate cancer screening?

Discussions about prostate cancer screening, including the PSA blood test, typically begin around age 50 for average-risk men. For higher-risk men, such as African American men or those with a family history, this conversation should start earlier, around age 40-45. This is a shared decision-making process with Dr. Ercole.

What are urodynamics?

Urodynamic testing is a series of tests evaluating how well the bladder and urethra store and release urine. Dr. Ercole uses these tests to understand the precise cause of complex issues like incontinence or difficulty urinating, leading to a more effective treatment plan.

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a common diagnostic procedure where our urologist, Dr. Ercole, looks directly inside your bladder and urethra. A thin tube with a camera (cystoscope) is used to check for issues such as bladder tumors, stones, or bleeding. It's a quick, routine office procedure.

What is BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), and is it related to cancer?

BPH is a very common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs as men age. It is not prostate cancer and does not increase the risk of developing it. Dr. Ercole and our practice offer many effective treatments to manage the urinary symptoms it can cause.

What is a varicocele and how does it affect fertility?

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to a varicose vein in the leg. It can raise the temperature in the testicles, impairing sperm production, and is a common, correctable cause of male infertility.

Do you treat children with urological problems?

Dr. Ercole and her team at the practice treat a wide range of adult urological conditions. While we don't see children, we can provide referrals to trusted pediatric urologists for those with urological concerns.

What are the most common signs of bladder cancer?

The most common and earliest sign of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, which can be visible or microscopic. Other less common symptoms include frequent urination or pain during urination. Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for prevention.

2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd
Weston FL 33331
Phone: (954) 659-5000

Dr. Barbara Ercole, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1326231861

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Urology like Dr. Barbara Ercole are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your urology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.