What Types of Procedures Does a Urologist Perform?
Have you ever been to a urologist? These specialists are very important in the management of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. They help you manage various illnesses and conditions and carry out a number of operations used in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals aiming to improve their overall health and be free from physical discomfort. But do you wonder what they actually do?
What is Urology?
Urology is a medical speciality that deals with the ailments, diseases and conditions affecting the urinary system which is made up of kidneys, bladder, urethras and tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urologists also treat male reproductive systems such as the prostate gland and testicles sometimes with Urological surgeries. If somebody is experiencing an issue with his or her urinary system or reproductive organs they would go to a urologist for help.
Common Urological Procedure
Urologists are skilled in a wide variety of procedures that address issues affecting the urinary system and male reproductive organs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common urological procedures they perform:
Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is an endoscopic process in which the Urologist uses a sieve tube with a video camera to inspect the lining of the bladder and the urethra. It is a flexible instrument that is used endoscopically through the urethra into the bladder to help in the diagnosis of infections, presence of a bladder stone or even a tumor. It provides the urologist with a clear view of the urinary tract and through it, determines the exact nature of the problem hence enabling him or her to choose the right line of action. Cystoscopy procedures normally take a short time and most of them do not require admissions mostly because they are diagnostic procedures.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a simple, safe and permanent form of birth control that is popular with men who do not wish to have more children. In the course of this process, the urologist cauterizes the vas deferens, which are tubes that conduct sperm from the testes. This helps in achieving the main goal of the procedure where sperm is not allowed to come into contact with semen during ejaculation. Vasectomy is usually conducted in a clinic using the local anesthetic and most men are able to raise their families within a few days.
Prostate Procedures
Prostate-related issues are common, especially in older men, and urologists offer several procedures to alleviate symptoms like difficulty in urinating due to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH):
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): This surgery removes a portion of the prostate to relieve pressure on the urethra, improving urine flow.
- UroLift: A less invasive procedure that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra without cutting, offering quick relief from BPH symptoms with minimal recovery time.
Kidney Stone Removal
Kidney stones can cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract. Urologists use several methods to remove or break up kidney stones:
- Ureteroscopy: A small scope is inserted through the urethra, bladder, and into the ureter to either remove or break up kidney stones.
- Lithotripsy: This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, making it easier for the patient to pass them naturally.
Bladder Surgery
In cases where more serious bladder conditions exist, surgery might be necessary:
- Cystectomy: This procedure involves removing part or all of the bladder, often as a treatment for bladder cancer.
- Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT): This is a minimally invasive procedure where tumors inside the bladder are removed through the urethra.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery represents a major advancement in urological procedures. This cutting-edge technology allows urologists to perform complex surgeries with precision using robotic arms controlled by a computer. Robotic surgery is often used for prostate cancer surgery, kidney surgeries, and bladder procedures. The benefits of robotic surgery include smaller incisions, less pain, reduced risk of infection, and quicker recovery times.
Orchiopexy
Orchiopexy is surgery for a condition known as undescended testicles, which is a condition that affects boys and is characterized by a failure of the testicles to descend into that pouch that is called the scrotum during fetal development. In cases where the testicle is undescended or has not developed properly the surgeon relocates the testicle in a proper location which minimizes chances of one getting infertile or developing testicular cancer.
Urology Diagnostic Tests
For the treatment of various urological issues, urologists need to categorically assess a patient’s underlying cause for their symptoms. To this end, they use various urology diagnostic tests to paint a clear picture indicative of what transpires inside the body.
- Urinalysis : There is no question that a urinalysis is one of the most basic, however important examinations in the field of urology. Urine samples on microscopic examination reveal hints of infection, blood, protein or other related complications that could point to a problem in the urinary system such as a bladder infection or kidney disease.
- Imaging Tests: Radiological investigations including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help urologists obtain clear images of the Urinary Tract and Reproductive System. Ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure that utilizes sound waves to generate images in real time, which may include the kidney, bladder, or scrotum. CT scans and MRIs provide extra contrast, thereby aiding in the detection of conditions such as kidney stones, tumors, or blockages that may not be easily discerned by other techniques.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests are significant tools of diagnosing a patient condition and acknowledging urologic problems. For example, measuring the amount of creatinine in the blood as an index of kidney function helps to determine the functioning of the kidneys. Also, there are PSA, prostate specific antigen, blood tests that show higher levels in men with prostate cancer or other conditions associated with prostate.
Why See a Urologist?
People might visit a urologist for various reasons, including:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Male infertility issues
Seeing a urologist can help diagnose these problems early and provide urology treatments that improve quality of life.
If you’re in Dubai and experiencing urological problems, it’s crucial to consult a qualified urologist. Seeking help early can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. Don’t hesitate—reach out to the best Urologist in Dubai to get the care you need!