Urology and the study of urinary function may also involve study in other fields, including nephrology, gynecology, and oncology.

 

 

The field of urology can be broken down into further categories including:

 

Endourology - minimally invasive surgical procedures of the urinary tract

Laparoscopy - robot assisted surgery of the kidneys, prostate, and ureters as well as other urinary organs

Urologic oncology - a field that specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of cancers of the bladder, kidneys, prostate, male reproductive organs and ureters.

Neurourology - a field focusing on nerves and nerve impulses as well as nervous system function that affects the genital urinary system. Conditions such as Parkinson's disease, other neuromuscular skeletal disorders, and spinal cord injuries can affect urinary tract function.

Andrology - a specialty focusing on the male reproductive system and includes infertility, erectile dysfunction and male sexual disorders

Female-focused urology deals with conditions such as pubic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and overactive bladders.

Common Urological Procedures

Dozens of tests and procedures are utilized by physicians and specialists to diagnose and treat urological problems. Among the most common include:

 

Computed Tomography (CT) kidney scan

Cystography

Cystoscopy

Cryotherapy for prostate conditions

Kidney scans or biopsy

Kidney ultrasound

Intravenous pyelogram

Lithotripsy - a non-invasive procedure to treat kidney stones

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Vasectomy

Circumcision

A CT scan is a type of diagnostic imaging that blends traditional x-ray diagnostics with computer technology to create cross section images of the body. These images are called slices, and include dimensional views of all parts of the body, including organs, muscles, fat and bone.

 

CT scans can be done with or without contrast materials commonly injected into an IV or intravenous line. Such dyes or contrast enable the physician to more clearly define and analyze specific organs or tissues.

 

Some of the most common techniques to diagnose problems with the kidneys include:

 

KUB x- rays

Renal angiogram

Renal angiogram

Kidney ultrasound

A lithotripsy is a noninvasive procedure that treats kidney stones. Shock waves or ultrasonic energy are directed over the stone's location after undergoing a procedure called fluoroscopy or ultrasound.

 

Transurethral resection of the prostate, also known as TURP, is a relatively common procedure that removes a portion of the prostate gland through the penis, requiring no external incision. Other methods of removing portions of or the entire prostate gland, called  radical prostatectomy,  may be performed through a retropubic or perennial approach.

 

A vasectomy is commonly performed on men as a form of birth control. The procedure involves the severing of the vasa deferens  or the tubes which carry sperm from the testicles through semen via the seminal vesicles. These tubes are severed, tied off, and then cauterized to prevent sperm from entering the semen. The testicles will continue to produce sperm, where they die and are absorbed back into the body.

 

Cryosurgery is a less invasive surgical procedure for removal of the prostate gland that utilizes needles inserted into the skin between the male genitals and the anus for prostate removal.

 

Benefits of Urological Procedures

Urological procedures, treatments and surgeries benefit a number of individuals who may be experiencing difficulty with urinary continents or bladder control. Men diagnosed with prostate enlargement, disease processes, or cancers may benefit from non-invasive as well as traditional methods of treatment. Men and women suffering from kidney infections, disorders and disease processes also benefit from the knowledge and experience of the trained urologist or specialist in the field of urology.

 

Finding a Surgeon

A urologist is a doctor who has specialized in training in branches of surgery to the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, male reproductive organs or pelvic surgery. Choose a surgeon who has undergone basic and comprehensive education in general surgery, who then undergoes additional training in urology, a surgical subspecialty. He or she should be approved to practice in accredited healthcare facilities or hospitals. Specialists should be experienced and knowledgeable regarding specific conditions.