What is Urology?
Urology is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of problems and diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as diseases of the male reproductive system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, whose role is to filter the blood as urine is formed, the adrenal glands that produce hormones, the ureters that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, the bladder where urine is stored, and the urethra through which urine is expelled from the bladder into the external environment. The male genital or reproductive system includes the prostate or internal gland whose role is to create semen that serves to transport sperm out of the body, then the male genital organ through which urine and semen exit the body, and the testes or paired organ that produces hormones and sperm.
Although it falls under the surgical branches, it also deals with nonsurgical approaches in the treatment of genitourinary tract diseases. Urologists are doctors specialized in this field, ready to provide the best care and treatment to their patients.
Symptoms for Which You Should Consult a Urologist
The most common reasons patients seek a urologist are urinary tract infections, kidney and urinary tract stones, incontinence, as well as prostate diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. These conditions can be indicated by the following symptoms:
– Problems with urination such as pain and burning or the presence of blood in the urine
– Changes in urination frequency such as the need for frequent trips to the bathroom or the inability to completely empty the bladder
– Involuntary urination during the day or night, when sneezing, laughing, or exercising
– Pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin
– Swelling, pain, a feeling of heaviness in the testicles
– A feeling of heaviness in the vagina
– Erectile dysfunction such as difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
– The appearance of a lump in the testis
Conditions Treated by a Urologist
A urologist encounters a wide range of problems and diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women. Besides the most common issues present in both sexes, such as urinary tract infections, urination disorders, kidney, bladder, and urinary channel stones, as well as tumors and carcinomas of the bladder and kidneys, there are specific problems that occur only in men or only in women.
Most Common Conditions in Men Requiring a Urologist Examination
– Erectile dysfunction
– Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia
– Urination problems
– Congenital anomalies of the reproductive organs
– Prostate cancer
– Testicular cancer
Most Common Conditions in Women Requiring a Urologist Examination
– Urine retention problems after pregnancy
– Incontinence
– Prolapse of the uterus or bladder into the vagina or falling out of it
– Examinations You Can Undergo With a Urologist
Urologists perform numerous diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions to discover and treat the cause of the problem. The patient is first referred for a general examination by a urologist, who, based on the symptoms and assessment of the condition, will request further diagnostic procedures.
Urologist Examination
A specialist urological examination begins with taking an anamnesis to give the doctor as much information as possible about existing complaints and personal and family medical history. Then, a general examination that includes a visual inspection and manual examination of parts of the urogenital system is conducted, which includes an examination of the stomach when kidney disease is suspected. In men, a prostate examination or digital rectal examination is also conducted to examine the size, shape, and structure of the prostate through the anal opening, followed by an examination of the testes and male genital organ.
Abdominal Ultrasound
A complete urological examination usually also includes an ultrasound examination of the urogenital tract, which involves examining the kidneys, bladder, and prostate, and if necessary, an ultrasound examination of the testes is indicated.
Intravenous Pyelography (IVP)
Intravenous pyelography is an X-ray diagnostic method that uses X-rays to obtain images of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder. The imaging lasts about 45 minutes, and possibly longer. It is performed to discover the cause of problems such as the appearance of blood in the urine, pain during urination, pain in the lower back, etc. It is also performed to detect the presence of stones in the kidney, ureter, or urinary bladder, cysts, benign or malignant tumors of the kidney or urinary bladder, in cases of enlarged prostate, congenital defects of the urinary tract, or to monitor the condition of the kidneys or urinary bladder after surgery.
MSCT (Scanning) Urography
MSCT urography is an imaging of the urotract with a multi-slice scanner that includes a detailed examination of the kidneys, adrenal glands, urinary channels, and urinary bladder. It is performed using a contrast iodine agent as a diagnostic method that provides information about the morphology and function of the kidneys, about the course, location, and patency of the urinary pathways, their patency into the urinary bladder, as well as about the capacity of the bladder and pathological changes in it. It is done in cases of kidney stones, bladder infection, cysts, bladder stones, kidney infection, presence of masses such as tumors.
Transrectal Ultrasound of the Prostate
Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that provides a detailed view of the prostate, urethra, bladder, and seminal vesicles. It is performed by placing a thin ultrasound probe a few centimeters into the colon and directly pressing against the prostate. It is performed as a preventive examination and early diagnostics of prostate cancer.
Prostate Biopsy (TRUS Biopsy of the Prostate)
A prostate biopsy is the only completely reliable method by which the presence of prostate cancer can be determined or potential suspicion eliminated. The procedure is based on taking tissue samples from the prostate from previously identified suspicious sites through digital rectal examination and examination by magnetic resonance or scanner. Tissue samples obtained by biopsy are sent for pathohistological analysis. Pathohistological confirmation of prostate cancer is the first and certainly necessary step that further directs the course and method of treatment of the patient.
Cystoscopy
This is an endoscopic examination of the urinary bladder performed using a cystoscope, an apparatus that is introduced into the bladder through the urinary canal. It is performed under local anesthesia.
Ureteroscopy
Represents a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure during which a probe is inserted into the ureter and kidney. The probe has a camera at the tip, as well as other instruments that allow the doctor to find, locate, and if necessary, remove the stone in the same act or break it into smaller pieces that are then easily expelled.
Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Depending on the stage of benign enlargement of the prostate, partial or complete removal of the prostate can be performed surgically.
Laser Surgery of the Prostate
The most modern way to treat problems with an enlarged prostate, without cutting, in just a few minutes, and without a recovery period.
Urological Oncology
Refers to the surgical treatment of malignant diseases of the urogenital tract such as cancer of the prostate, adrenal glands, bladder, kidneys, ureters, testicles, and penis, as well as the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and muscles and fascia of these areas. For urological cancers suitable for surgical treatment, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or endourology are used.
Why You Should Visit a Urologist?
Consultation with a urologist is recommended if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms or have conditions that can affect the urinary tract or reproductive system. The benefit of a detailed and expertly performed urological examination is reflected in the timely diagnosis and appropriate recommendations for the treatment of the disease. Early detection and treatment can significantly contribute to a better outcome and quality of life.
Urological Team PulsGo
The PulsGo team consists of top doctors with extensive experience. For urological examinations, ultrasound examinations of the prostate, ultrasound examinations of the testes, and treatment of erectile dysfunction, you can turn to Dr. Nikola Lukač, a urology specialist with many years of clinical experience, whose area of interest is urological endoscopy, as well as Dr. Dejan Kojić, a urology specialist with many years of clinical experience, who pays special attention to prostate cancer and the application of laparoscopic treatment of genitourinary tract diseases.
