Dr. Christopher John Zappavigna – Urologist | Ladysmith, BC

Dr. Christopher John Zappavigna is a dedicated Urologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract in men and women, and the male reproductive system. Practicing at a urology clinic or hospital department in Ladysmith, BC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in patient care.

Dr. Zappavigna graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada. He holds specialty certification as a Urologist and is fully credentialed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His medical training and certification reflect his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of urological care.

Driven by a philosophy of patient-centered care, Dr. Zappavigna utilizes evidence-based practices, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and comprehensive patient education to optimize health outcomes. He is dedicated to serving adult male and female patients in Ladysmith, providing compassionate, accessible, and effective urological services. He communicates fluently in English and is committed to ensuring his patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Christopher Zappavigna addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:

General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders

• Painful Urination (Dysuria): Discomfort or burning sensation during urination, often a symptom of infection or inflammation.
• Neurogenic Bladder: Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological damage or conditions affecting nerve control of the bladder.
• Urinary Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.

Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women: Frequent bladder or kidney infections requiring investigation and management.
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele - Bladder Prolapse): When the bladder drops (prolapses) from its normal position in the pelvis and pushes on the wall of the vagina.

Prostate & Male Genital Conditions

• Prostatitis (Acute & Chronic Bacterial, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome): Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, causing pain, urinary difficulties, and other symptoms.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in aging men, causing urinary symptoms.
• Male Infertility Factors (e.g., Varicocele, Obstructive Azoospermia): Urological conditions contributing to a couple's inability to conceive.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Christopher Zappavigna.

• Urethral Conditions in Women (e.g., Urethral Diverticulum, Stricture): Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female urethra.
• Comprehensive Urological Consultation & Evaluation: In-depth assessment of urinary tract and male reproductive system conditions, including medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic planning.
• Peyronie's Disease Treatment: Medical and surgical options for managing penile curvature caused by Peyronie's disease.
• Management of Post-Operative Urological Care: Providing comprehensive follow-up and management after urological surgeries to ensure optimal recovery and outcomes.
• Endoscopic Urological Procedures: Utilizing scopes passed through natural body openings to diagnose and treat conditions within the urinary tract (e.g., stone removal, tumor resection).
• Male Infertility Evaluation & Management (in collaboration with fertility specialists): Investigating causes of male infertility and offering medical or surgical treatments (e.g., varicocele repair, sperm retrieval).
• Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal Consultations & Procedures: Performing vasectomy for permanent male contraception and offering consultations/procedures for vasectomy reversal.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Zappavigna for care relevant to your needs.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

In the areas near central Ladysmith, BC, Dr. Zappavigna’s practice is situated within a urology clinic or hospital department easily accessible to residents. The facility is conveniently located close to local points of interest and is reachable via local public transit. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing flexibility and convenience for visiting patients.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Zappavigna, a Urologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Zappavigna, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer technologies, medications, or elective procedures (like cosmetic urology or certain non-insured infertility treatments) may not be covered or may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Zappavigna's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zappavigna, a Urologist?

Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in BC, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Zappavigna. This ensures your care is coordinated and appropriate. Some specific services, like vasectomy in certain private clinic settings, might occasionally be accessed directly, but for general urological assessment or provincially insured care, a referral is the standard pathway.

What does a Urologist like Dr. Zappavigna specialize in?

A Urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females, as well as conditions of the male reproductive system. This includes organs like the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis). He is a Urologist specializing in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Dr. Zappavigna provides comprehensive care for a wide range of these conditions.

What is a PSA test and who should have it?

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The decision to have a PSA test is best made in consultation with your doctor, like Dr. Zappavigna, after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of screening. Factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity are often considered. It's not a perfect test, as elevated PSA can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH or prostatitis.

What are the treatment options for an enlarged prostate (BPH)?

Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your quality of life. Options range from lifestyle changes and medications to minimally invasive procedures (like UroLift, Rezum) and surgical treatments (such as TURP or laser prostatectomy). Dr. Zappavigna can discuss the most suitable options for you based on your individual circumstances.

PO Box 732 Stn Main
Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A5

Phone: (250) 737-2030

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zappavigna is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Zappavigna for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331313/Zappavigna%2CChristopher