Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz, MD

Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz, MD is a Urology specialist practicing at his Palm Harbor, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Urologic care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Santa-Cruz prioritizes preventive measures. Your urologist is your primary partner in preventing urinary and male reproductive health problems, crafting personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and ensuring your overall wellness. He serves all ages, and while not currently accepting new patients, inquiries about waitlists or future openings are welcome at (754) 255-6726.

Dr. Santa-Cruz's expertise stems from extensive training and experience. A board-certified urologist with twenty years of focus on urological oncology and urogynecology, he specializes in using minimally invasive robotic surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship training at Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, respectively, further developing his expertise in urologic laparoscopy/robotics. His background includes system robotics medical director and surgical specialties department chair roles, demonstrating a commitment to advanced techniques and patient care. He is Board Certified in Urology by the American Board of Urology and dedicated to providing the best care for each patient's body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Santa-Cruz offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz 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. Robert Santa-Cruz 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. Robert Santa-Cruz 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:

• Scrotal Pain: Preventing future issues with your reproductive system starts with paying attention to your body. If you have scrotal pain, see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
• Urge Incontinence: Don't let urge incontinence control your life; proactive steps, like lifestyle changes and medical attention, can help you prevent worsening symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
• Prostate Stones: Managing prostate stones through proactive healthcare can help prevent painful symptoms, urinary problems, and potential long-term damage to your prostate, emphasizing the significance of preventive urological care.
• Horseshoe Kidney: A horseshoe kidney, where the kidneys are fused together, is a condition that may increase your risk of certain urinary tract complications, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for early detection and preventive management.
• Balanitis: Balanitis, inflammation of the penis tip, is easily prevented with good hygiene practices like regular washing and careful drying, reducing your risk of infection and discomfort.
• Genitourinary Tract Hemorrhage: Bleeding from your urinary or genital tract can signal a serious underlying problem, so regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are crucial for early detection and preventing complications.
• Pyonephrosis: Regular checkups and prompt treatment of any urinary symptoms can help avoid pyonephrosis, a severe complication stemming from untreated infections.
• Bladder Infection: Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have a history of bladder infections, are key to early detection and managing this common condition.
• Male Sexual Arousal Disorders: Preventive steps, like open communication with your doctor about sexual health concerns, can help manage male sexual arousal disorders and improve intimacy.
• Prostate Cancer: Lifestyle choices and regular screenings are key to preventing advanced-stage prostate cancer and improving your overall health.
• Sexual Arousal Disorder: Addressing sexual arousal difficulties proactively is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship and overall well-being; seeking professional help can prevent long-term emotional distress.
• Irradiation Cystitis: Protecting your bladder health during and after radiation treatments is crucial; early detection of irradiation cystitis can help manage symptoms and prevent severe bladder issues.

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. Robert Santa-Cruz offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Lymphadenectomy With Robotic Assistance: Robotic-assisted lymphadenectomy is a surgical option to precisely remove lymph nodes, improving the chances of successful cancer treatment and enhancing overall health.
• Uroflowmetry: Take charge of your urinary health: a uroflowmetry test can identify issues like bladder obstructions or weak bladder muscles before they become major problems.
• Cystometry: Don't let bladder issues impact your daily life. A cystometry test helps pinpoint bladder problems, leading to effective solutions and improved comfort.
• Vasectomy Reversal: Considering a vasectomy reversal? This procedure can help you regain your ability to conceive children after undergoing a vasectomy.
• Bladder Scan: Taking charge of your bladder health starts with a bladder scan, a simple procedure that helps identify issues like urinary retention and potential infections early on.
• Kidney and Ureter Removal: In situations of severe kidney or ureter disease, surgical removal is sometimes necessary to remove cancerous tissues and prevent further damage, impacting overall health and lifespan positively.
• Resection of Bladder Neck: A bladder neck resection is a surgical procedure that can help alleviate urinary problems and improve bladder function, proactively addressing potential issues before they worsen.
• Prostate Biopsy: A prostate biopsy is a procedure that helps detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
• Cystotomy: Taking a proactive role in your urinary health, a cystotomy allows for thorough assessment of your bladder, improving the chance of early diagnosis and effective management of any underlying issue.
• Bladder Function Test: Take charge of your bladder health: a bladder function test is a simple procedure that can detect and help prevent urinary tract problems.
• TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate) or Laser Destruction of Prostate: TURP and laser prostate surgery are options to proactively address an enlarged prostate, relieving urinary symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Partial Nephrectomy with Robotic Assist: As a proactive step towards better kidney health, a partial nephrectomy with robotic assist offers a minimally invasive option for removing kidney tumors, aiming for better outcomes compared to traditional open surgery.

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. Robert Santa-Cruz 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 understanding the cause of his scrotal pain and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient was able to avoid potential long-term complications and maintain a healthy reproductive system.
• By implementing a tailored lifestyle plan, including bladder training exercises and dietary modifications, a patient significantly reduced their urge incontinence symptoms, regaining confidence and control over their daily life.
• By following a proactive urological care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing prostate stones, enjoying a healthier and more comfortable life. This preventative approach ensured peace of mind and minimized the possibility of future complications.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Robert Santa-Cruz:

What is a Urologist?

Dr. Santa-Cruz 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 decision is a shared one, and we encourage you to discuss your individual risk factors with Dr. Santa-Cruz.

Do you treat children with urological problems?

Dr. Santa-Cruz and his team treat adult urological conditions. If you have a child with a suspected urological issue, we can provide referrals to trusted pediatric urologists.

What is the most common sign of testicular cancer?

The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Monthly self-exams are crucial for young men, as early detection is key to the very high cure rate for this cancer.

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 bladder cancer, so quitting is crucial for prevention.

Can erectile dysfunction be a sign of another health problem?

Yes, erectile dysfunction (ED) can often be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other health issues. A consultation with Dr. Santa-Cruz is an important step in a proactive, overall health screening, not just to treat the ED.

How can I prevent future kidney stones?

Preventing kidney stones is crucial. Increasing water intake is the most important step. Depending on the type of stone, Dr. Santa-Cruz may recommend specific dietary changes or medications to lower your risk of recurrence.

What are urodynamics?

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

34041 US Highway 19 N Ste D
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (754) 255-6726

Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz, 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): 1508816869

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. Robert Santa-Cruz 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.