Urology
What is urology?
Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders and conditions related to the urinary tract system in both males and females, as well as male reproductive organs.
The urinary tract system includes organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, which are responsible for producing, storing, and eliminating urine from the body.
Urologists utilize various diagnostic techniques, such as imaging tests, laboratory tests, and specialized procedures, to assess and diagnose urological conditions. They may employ both non-surgical and surgical treatments, including medication, minimally invasive procedures, and complex surgeries, to manage and treat these conditions.
Urology also encompasses subspecialties, such as pediatric urology (focused on urological conditions in children), urologic oncology (cancer treatment in the urinary system), male infertility, and reconstructive urology (repairing and reconstructing urological structures). Urologists collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of medical experts, such as oncologists, nephrologists, gynecologists, and primary care physicians, to ensure comprehensive and holistic care for individuals with urological conditions.
Flexible ureteroscopy with laser
Flexible ureteroscopy with laser is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to treat kidney stones and other urinary tract conditions. The procedure involves using a small, flexible scope (ureteroscope) with a laser attached to it to remove or break up the kidney stones.
During the procedure, the ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, and then into the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). The laser is then used to break up the kidney stones into smaller pieces, which can be removed or passed out of the body naturally.
Flexible ureteroscopy with laser is a preferred treatment option for kidney stones that are larger than 1 cm, stones that are located in the lower pole of the kidney, and stones that cannot be removed using other treatments such as shock wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, and patients can typically return home the same day or the following day after the procedure. Recovery time can vary depending on the size and location of the kidney stones, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with flexible ureteroscopy with laser. These can include bleeding, infection, and injury to the ureter or surrounding tissues. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor to determine if it is the best treatment option for you.
Percutaneous nephrolihotomy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) serves as a minimally invasive surgical technique specifically designed to extract sizable or intricate kidney stones. The procedure involves making a small incision in the patient’s back and inserting a thin, flexible instrument called a nephroscope into the kidney.
The surgeon then uses specialized tools to break up the kidney stone(s) into smaller pieces, which are then removed through the incision. Typically conducted under general anesthesia, the procedure necessitates a brief hospital stay to ensure appropriate monitoring and care.
PCNL is typically recommended for kidney stones larger than 2 cm, stones that are located in a particularly challenging location within the kidney, or stones that cannot be removed through other treatments such as shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with PCNL, including bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding organs, and damage to the kidney or surrounding tissues. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you to determine if it is the best treatment option for your specific situation.
After the procedure, patients will typically need to rest and limit physical activity for a few days to a week while the incision site heals. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort, and patients will be instructed to drink plenty of fluids to help flush any remaining stone fragments out of the body.
Overall, PCNL is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with large or complex kidney stones.
Bipolar endoscopic prostate surgery
Bipolar endoscopic prostate surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The procedure is performed using an endoscope, which is a small, flexible tube with a camera and light attached to it.
During the procedure, the endoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the prostate gland. The surgeon then uses specialized tools to remove excess prostate tissue that is causing urinary problems. Bipolar energy is used to seal blood vessels during the procedure, which helps to reduce bleeding and minimize the risk of complications.
Compared to traditional open surgery, bipolar endoscopic prostate surgery is less invasive, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times. Based on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s professional judgment, the procedure can be conducted under either local or general anesthesia to ensure optimal comfort and safety.
Similar to all medical procedures, bipolar endoscopic prostate surgery carries inherent risks and potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, and the possibility of urinary incontinence. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you to determine if it is the best treatment option for your specific situation.
After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and temporary urinary symptoms such as urgency and frequency. However, these symptoms typically improve over time, and most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.
Overall, bipolar endoscopic prostate surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for men with BPH who are experiencing urinary problems. It offers significant benefits compared to traditional open surgery, making it an attractive option for many patients.
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery, is a type of surgical procedure that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to perform surgery. The surgeon uses a laparoscope, which is a small, thin tube with a camera and light attached to it, to view the surgical site and guide the instruments.
During laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made in the patient’s abdomen, rather than a large incision as in traditional open surgery. Through one of the incisions, the laparoscope is introduced, enabling the surgeon to visualize the surgical area on a monitor. Specialized instruments are inserted through the other incisions to perform the surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including gallbladder disease, appendicitis, hernias, and certain types of cancer. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages, including less pain, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery time.
However, not all surgeries can be performed laparoscopically, and some patients may not be good candidates for the procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with laparoscopic surgery, including bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding organs.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of laparoscopic surgery with you to determine if it is the best treatment option for your specific situation. If you are a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery, your doctor will provide instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, as well as what to expect during and after the surgery.
Adult and birth circumcision
Circumcision is a surgical intervention that entails the elimination of the foreskin, the protective skin enveloping the head of the penis. Circumcision can be performed for medical or cultural reasons, and it is a common procedure in many parts of the world.
Adult circumcision is typically performed for medical reasons, such as to treat conditions like phimosis (a condition in which the foreskin is too tight and cannot be retracted) or recurrent infections of the foreskin or penis. The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
The most common technique used for adult circumcision is the sleeve technique, in which a circular incision is made around the foreskin, and the skin is then removed in a sleeve-like fashion. The incision is closed with sutures, which are typically absorbed by the body over time.
Birth circumcision is usually performed for cultural or religious reasons, and it is a common practice in many parts of the world. The procedure is usually performed within a few days of the baby’s birth and takes only a few minutes to complete. The most common technique used for circumcision in newborns is the PlastiBell technique, in which a plastic ring is placed over the foreskin, and the skin is then cut and removed.
Both adult and birth circumcision are generally safe procedures with a low risk of complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with circumcision, including bleeding, infection, and complications with anesthesia.
If you are considering circumcision for yourself or your child, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor to determine if it is the best option for you or your child.
Testicular biopsy and Micro TESE
Testicular biopsy and micro TESE (testicular sperm extraction) are two procedures used to diagnose and treat male infertility.
Testicular biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of testicular tissue for examination under a microscope. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and a small incision is made in the scrotum to access the testicle. The biopsy can be used to diagnose conditions such as azoospermia, in which there are no sperm present in the ejaculate. The biopsy can also be used to extract sperm for use in assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Micro TESE is a more invasive procedure that involves the removal of a larger sample of testicular tissue for sperm extraction. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and a small incision is made in the scrotum to access the testicle. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to identify areas where sperm may be present. Micro TESE is typically used when other methods of sperm extraction have failed.
Both testicular biopsy and micro TESE are generally safe procedures with a low risk of complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with these procedures, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures.
If you are experiencing male infertility, it is important to discuss the various treatment options with your doctor to determine which option is best for you. Depending on your specific situation, testicular biopsy or micro TESE may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.
Prostate Enucleation with Plasma
Prostate enucleation with plasma, also known as plasma button vaporization (PBV), is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged.
During the PBV procedure, a small plasma button device is inserted into the urethra and guided to the prostate gland. The device uses a combination of heat and electrical energy to vaporize and remove excess prostate tissue, allowing urine to flow more freely through the urethra.
PBV is a safe and effective alternative to traditional open prostate surgery, and it offers several advantages, including less pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery time. The procedure can be performed under general or spinal anesthesia, and it typically takes about an hour to complete.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with PBV, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you to determine if it is the best treatment option for your specific situation.
If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or weak urine flow, it is important to talk to your doctor. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, PBV or other treatment options may be recommended to improve your urinary function and quality of life.
Urethral stricture surgery or urethroplasty Varicocele
Urethral stricture surgery or urethroplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat a urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra that can cause difficulty or pain during urination.
During the procedure, the narrowed area of the urethra is surgically removed, and the remaining healthy tissue is reconnected to restore normal urinary function. The procedure can be performed under general or spinal anesthesia, and it may require an overnight hospital stay.
Urethroplasty is a highly successful treatment for urethral strictures, with a success rate of up to 95%. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with urethroplasty, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures.
Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum become enlarged and dilated, causing pain, swelling, and infertility. Varicocele surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat the condition by sealing off the affected veins and rerouting blood flow to healthy veins.
The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, and it typically takes about an hour to complete. Varicocele surgery is generally safe and effective, with a success rate of up to 90%. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with varicocele surgery, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a urethral stricture or varicocele, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment options for your specific situation. Urethroplasty or varicocele surgery may be recommended as part of your treatment plan to improve your symptoms and quality of life.