Dr. Steve Rivera, MD

Dr. Rivera is widely recognized as the leading urology surgeon in Hawaii, particularly for complex procedures like those addressing urinary incontinence. After years of struggling with this condition, I sought multiple opinions from various urologists, but none inspired the confidence I found in Dr. Rivera. His reputation, combined with extensive research and careful consideration, ultimately led me to choose him for my treatment. I elected urethral bulking procedure using Bulkamid, a minimally invasive treatment designed to help strengthen the urethra and reduce urinary leakage. While I was mentally prepared for various possible outcomes, I was genuinely surprised by how smoothly everything went. I never expected to experience no pain post-surgery, nor did I anticipate a complete absence of complications. The results thus far have been nothing short of remarkable. The procedure has significantly improved my condition, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. Dr. Rivera’s expertise and care have truly made a difference, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my decision to trust him with my health.

Dr. Rivera is widely recognized as the leading urology surgeon in Hawaii, particularly for complex procedures like those addressing urinary incontinence. After years of struggling with this condition, I sought multiple opinions from various urologists, but none inspired the confidence I found in Dr. Rivera. His reputation, combined with extensive research and careful consideration, ultimately led me to choose him for my treatment. I elected urethral bulking procedure using Bulkamid, a minimally invasive treatment designed to help strengthen the urethra and reduce urinary leakage. While I was mentally prepared for various possible outcomes, I was genuinely surprised by how smoothly everything went. I never expected to experience no pain post-surgery, nor did I anticipate a complete absence of complications. The results thus far have been nothing short of remarkable. The procedure has significantly improved my condition, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. Dr. Rivera’s expertise and care have truly made a difference, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my decision to trust him with my health.

During the first visit, he insisted that I was experiencing central sensitization in my bladder because of my history of chronic pain. This diagnosis made zero sense to me as, yes, I was experiencing urethritis every single day. Still, I also had back-to-back UTIs, chronic hematuria, and inability to straight cath (that's how it all started- I straight cathed daily for years due to my flaccid neurogenic bladder); it came to the point where I had a suprapubic catheter placed for months. He invalidated my concerns, saying that blood in urine was normal and didn't want to look at the root cause of my chronic UTIs. He ordered a ct abdo with contrast, which showed a bladder filling defect that the radiologist mentioned could be a possible tumor. Still, he couldn't care less. So I went to a trusted urologist in LA (I go to uni in Hawaii), and he did a cysto (diagnosis- urethral stricture and bladder psedodiverticulum). I got surgery, which was successful, and I got my SPC out.

Though it took me several months to get an appointment with Dr. Rivera, being that he is a specialist in his field; when I did get in to see him on a Monday morning, I was so impressed by his knowledge and expertise, and the information he gave to me to explain my medical issues, that I immediately knew he was the right surgeon for me. Without hesitation I asked to get on his surgery schedule. I was very blessed that he actually had an opening for me on that following Wednesday. The surgery went very well and I am fully recovered just two weeks after surgery and feeling 100% again. During my recovery Dr. Rivera called me every day, without fail, during that first ten days. He was genuinely interested in his patients and gave me great confidence in his ability to do the brilliant job that he did!

I have had past appointments with Dr. Rivera related to other issues. I was told that I needed to see a Urologist for testing and consultation. I immediately asked the VA if I could be referred to Dr. Rivera. I just returned from my appointment and test. Dr. Rivera’s knowledge and expertise immediately put my mind at rest. At the conclusion of the test, he found nothing extraordinary for a male patient my age. Dr. Rivera’s empathy and ability to recognize my concerns, as well as offering a variety of remedies which suited my needs was greatly appreciated. He is a genuine caring, skilled specialist and I am thankful and proud that I am under his care. I couldn’t ask for a better physician. Mahalo!

Dr. Rivera is an excellent doctor, he is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise, I know this, as Iam one of his patients. To give a little back ground of my situation, I was involved in a motor vehicle and suffered a bladder injury, which cause me to be in retention. Dr. Rivera suggested that the Interstim Surgery would me in my best recovery, after completing many test. I recently completed the Interstim Surgery and had great success! Thank you Dr. Rivera

I was pretty concerned about my evaluation for incontinence but Dr. Rivera was amazing!!! Very professional, easy to talk to, and he gave me a ton of information to think about my choices. He's kind of young but believe me, he knows his stuff.

Wow, I had been bounced between a few physicians but I hadn't realized that my urologist could be this thorough and informative. I felt like he is really working with me to make my urgency improve. He gave me options and I am working on getting better with his help.

My wife and I found Dr Rivera both helpful and ready to listen. He is incredibly friendly and willing to discuss things with you. I felt reassured with all the information he provided us after my surgery.

His tone was condescending and lackadaisical. He cared little, if at all, for my father's condition or emotional state.