Urologist, Surgery Performed

Urologists doctors who are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage urological disorders. The organs covered by urology include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and penis).

Definition: What is urology?

Urology is the study of the urinary system and male reproductive system.

Why do you need to see a urologist?

Often times people will be referred to a urologist by their primary care physician (doctor). Likely, the following types of diseases (and other problems) may be treated by a urologist.

  • Recurrent or chronic bladder issues like leaking, incontinence, or inability to void (pee)
  • Prostate issues like prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostate cancer
  • Kidney infections
  • Kidney or bladder stones
  • Testicular issues like torsion (twisting), epididymitis, or testicular cancer
  • Sterilization procedures for males (vasectomy)
  • Hydroceles
  • Erectile dysfuncion
  • Penile structural change procedures (hypospadias, implant, circumcision, removal etcetera)

Procedures, Tests and Surgeries

Below is a list of surgeries performed by a urologist.

  • Bladder Removal (Cystectomy)
  • Circumcision
  • Cystoscopy
  • Hernia Repair, Femoral
  • Hernia Repair, Inguinal
  • Hydrocelectomy
  • Hypospadias Repair
  • Kidney Removal
  • Kidney Stone Removal
  • Kidney Transplant
  • Lithotripsy
  • Nephrostomy, Percutaneous
  • Penectomy
  • Penile Implant
  • Prostate Gland Removal
  • Stress Incontinence Surgery
  • Testicle Fixation
  • Testicle Removal
  • Urethral Caruncle Removal
  • Varicocele Removal
  • Vasectomy
  • Vasectomy Reversal
  • Vasicovaginal Fistula Repair

What to expect at an initial urology exam?

Way to go on making your appointment with a urologist! You may be wondering what to expect at that first meeting, the following is a brief outline of the initial exam that may be given.

Physical Exam

  • The physical part of the exam will include a question-answer conversation between you and your urologist. Questions will cover your medical history, current medications and description of current symptoms.
  • Then the urologist will conduct a physical assessment of your body with special attention to kidneys, bladder and genitals.
  • A digital rectal exam (DRE) will usually be performed to examine the prostate gland. This is completed by the urologist inserting a lubricated, gloved finger inside of the patient’s rectum in order to palpate (feel) and assess the prostate gland.

Men’s Health Reminder! It is recommended that all men begin having a regular DRE and screenings for prostate cancer starting at the age of 50.

Blood Test

To help with assessments and diagnosis, urologists may take a sample of your blood and run the following tests.

  • BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine test
  • PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test
  • Testosterone hormone test

Urine Analysis

The following tests on urine may be requested to help in diagnosis and assessment as well.

  • Urinalysis- Urine is collected in a cup and tested in the office for things like protein, hydration, ketones, blood and bacteria
  • Urine Culture- Urine is collected in a cup and sent to the lab for further testing. Usually it is ordered to determine infection.
  • 24-hour urine- Patient is sent home with a large container to collect their urinary output for a full 24 hours. This gives a more comprehensive analysis of the urine than a simple, one-time sample.

Semen Analysis

  • Seminogram- this test will likely be ordered if the patient is being seen for infertility issues or is recovering from a vasectomy (to ensure that the patient is sterile)

Imaging Techniques

  • Depending on the reason for the visit, a urologist may order tests like Ultrasound, X-ray, CT (computer tomography) or other imaging to view the function and/or structure of your internal urinary or genital organs.

Women can also see urologists!

There exists a common misconception that only males can see urologists–this is not true! Urologists can also assess, diagnose and treat some female urinary and pelvic issues.

Urologists can treat the following in women

  • Incontinence after pregnancy
  • Overactive bladder
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction (including prolapse of pelvic organs)

While women can see urologists, some prefer to have these issues handled by their women’s health doctor (midwife, obstetrician or gynecologist) because they may have a long-lasting relationship with this care provider.

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