Eastside Specialist Spotlight: Irina Jaeger, MD, Urologist

UH Clinical Update - March 2017

 Irina Jaeger, MD

Urologist Irina Jaeger, MD, Division Chief, Urology, UH Ahuja Medical Center and Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, sees patients with mostly common urinary complaints, from overactive bladder and urinary incontinence to recurrent urinary tract infections to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).“I’m a general urologist, so I see everything,” Dr. Jaeger says. “I see a lot of female patients, as many of them want to see a female provider.”

But while her patients’ complaints may not be that unusual, the treatments she provides are on the leading edge of urology. Dr. Jaeger is one of two University Hospitals urologists using photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP, or GreenLight laser) to treat men with BPH. During this outpatient procedure, she uses a laser inserted through the scope to vaporize the excess prostate tissue blocking normal urine flow.

“Patents go home the same day with little to no discomfort, so it’s a less invasive option,” she says. “It’s also a shorter recovery and less painful than typical surgical options.”

For her patients with overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, Dr. Jaeger offers Botox treatments, if other treatment options have been unsuccessful. The Botox is delivered through several injections into the bladder muscle, with access provided by a cystoscope.

”Botox for the bladder is given in the office,” she says. “It’s intended for patients with overactive bladder symptoms resistant to traditional treatments. It takes about 10 minutes and can be readministered several times a year as needed.”

Another of Dr. Jaeger’s areas of specialty is testicular pain.

“No one knows quite what causes it,” she says. “It’s a very disabling condition and can be present in any age group, old or young. This condition can be very frustrating for patients and their physicians, as no specific cause has been found, and treatment options are often limited. What we do is provide an individualized treatment plan, including a variety of medical options, pelvic floor therapy and cord blocks where we inject anesthetic into the spermatic cord.”

Dr. Jaeger earned her medical degree at University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her urology residency training at UH Cleveland Medical Center. After beginning her career at Kaiser Permanente and Healthspan, she was recruited to join the faculty at UH and as an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine about a year ago, with offices at UH Chagrin Highlands Health Center and University Hospitals Suburban.

Dr. Jaeger says she is glad to again be affiliated with UH and provide an optimal experience to UH patients.

“I have assembled a great team, and we work well together,” she says. “We’re very friendly and approachable. I value my relationships with my patients, and I continue to see many of my patients from Kaiser and Healthspan, as I’ve been seeing them for years. We establish long-term relationships with these patients – we make a real effort for them feel comfortable here. We love hearing about their families, kids and grandkids.”

For more information about Dr. Jaeger’s services or to make a referral, please call 216-844-5504.