Urology is a branch of medicine which deals with the urinary tract system of human beings and also the male reproductive system. There are common inhibitions and hesitations among people to visit the urologist. There is also a myth that urologists only receive male patients, says a urologist in Bangalore
This article gives a complete outlook on urology and thus eliminates the fears and doubts about urologists:
What is Urology?
Urology is a surgical speciality involving the treatment of kidneys, ureters, adrenal glands, bladder and the urethra. In a male, an urologist can treat the conditions of testis, vas deferens, prostrate, penis epididymis and seminal vesicles. Conditions like urinary tract infection, prostate enlargement bladder cancer, prostate cancer, kidney stones and stress incontinence are treated in urology. They also work in collaboration with oncologists, radiotherapists, nephrologists, gynaecologists and endocrinologists.
An urologist undergoes training for 12 months in general surgery and 36 months in clinical urology. An urologist can specialise in various other areas. Some of these include.
Neurourology
It involves the management of conditions consisting of nervous issues related to the genitourinary system or abnormal urination. Some conditions that they specialise in are strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and spinal cord injuries.
Paediatric urology
It is involved in the study of genitourinary problems that occur in children such as cryptorchidism, underdeveloped genitalia and vesicoureteral reflux.
Endourology
It deals with the manipulation of the urinary tract in a closed manner. It consists of a lot of invasive surgical procedures like endoscopes, prostate surgery, stone removal and urethral surgeries.
Andrology
It focuses on the disorder of the male reproductive system such as problems related to ejection, ejaculation, infertility etc.
Treatment Procedure
Tests
1. Semen analysis
This is done to analyse male fertility. A sample of semen is collected to check the mobility rate and quality of the sperms.
2. Cystoscopy and Cystogram
Cystogram is for taking X-ray images of the bladder. For cystoscopy, a local anesthetic will numb the urethra and urologists will look inside the patient’s bladder. It is used to observe abnormalities in the bladder, kidney stones and tumours. A telescope-like instrument is inserted inside the bladder to examine it.
- Stone evaluation
The kidney stones of a patient are analysed after they are removed from the patient’s urinary tract. This helps in the study of prevention of future stones through medication or dietary plans.
- Ultrasound /CT Scan /MRI
It is an imaging tool used to examine the kidneys bladder and the reproductive organs. The urologist will be able to see the insides of urinary tracts. It helps in the diagnosis of tumour, kidney stones, cysts etc.
5. Post-void residual and urine test
Post-void residuals are used to check the residual urine in the bladder. It is used to analyse the bacteria in urine that causes infection. The test is also performed before a surgery to analyse the person’s bladder for obstruction.
There are various types of urine tests like urine culture, urinalysis etc. The former is used to detect infection in the urinary tracts and the latter is used to measure blood sugar level and other substances in urine.
SURGERIES
- Cystectomy is done during very rare cases like bladder cancer. This involves the removal of all parts of urinary bladder
- Circumcision is usually done in new born boys and also as a religious practice. In this process, the foreskin of the penis is removed through surgery.
- Kidney transplant is a procedure to transplant a healthy kidney to a person whose kidneys are not functioning properly.
- Hernia repair surgery, also known as herniorrhaphy. The displaced tissues are brought back to their normal positions. Sometimes a mesh patch is sewn over the weakened region and this process is known as hernioplasty.
- Vasectomy is a male sterilisation process where tubes that carry a man’s sperm are cut or sealed .
When to see an Urologist?
Mild urinary problems can be treated by a physician. Usually the doctors refer you to an urologist if there is a necessity. In most cases, an urologist works together with another specialist. For instance for prostate cancer, an urologist works with an oncologist.
Some cases when you have to meet a Urologist are:
- · Frequent urination or Trouble in urinating
- · Weak flow of urine or leakage while doing other things.
- · Blood, pain or burning sensation while urinating
- · Men who experience decrease sexual desire or trouble having an erection.
CONCLUSION
There is no need to have any fear or preparations while meeting an urologist. In the first meeting they will analyse the patients’ medical history with regard to the past urological problems. Then a series of tests will be prescribed and once the results are obtained the diagnosis will be determined. In the end a treatment plan will be developed, says a urologist in Bangalore.