Urology Overview

Did you know that the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, ureters, and urethra, keeps your body clean by filtering out toxins and waste and eliminating them from your body? So, the urinary system acts as a filter, removing waste and excess water from your blood in the form of urine. The kidneys play a major role in this. If the urinary system is not functioning optimally, it can lead to many types of health problems. Urologic problems include prostate problems, stones in any part of the urinary tract, bladder control problems, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, etc.

The branch of medicine that focuses on ailments related to the urinary system is called Urology, and the healthcare department in a hospital that provides services related to this field for both men and women is called the Urology Department.

At Jeevandan Hospitals, we offer state-of-the-art urology services for the entire range of male and female urological problems, from urinary incontinence (bladder control problems) to urological cancers in the bladder, prostate, and kidneys. We use cutting-edge technologies to ensure accurate urology diagnosis before we tailor the treatment programme to your specific needs.

When Should You Visit a Urologist?

Blood in the Urine

If you detect blood in your urine, it’s cause for alarm. Blood in the urine may not always be visible to the naked eye. There are chances that there’s blood in the urine if your urine is not the normal pale yellow but starts looking brown, pink, or tea-coloured. Visit your primary care physician immediately for a checkup. They might refer you to a urologist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Sometimes, blood in the urine may occur due to a temporary issue, caused by injury or vigorous exercise, although it is usually a result of far more serious urologic diseases, such as:

• Bladder infection
• Kidney infection
• Kidney stones
• Kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer

Poor Bladder Control

The inability to control your urine can signal a severe urology diagnosis. If it is not treated at the earliest, it can lead to chronic conditions. The severity can range from urine leakage when you cough or sneeze to having the strong urge to urinate but not making it to the toilet in time. If this situation continues, visit the urology department of your nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Painful Urination

Painful urination in women usually signals a urinary tract infection. In men, it can mean prostate problems. Some other causes of painful urination include:

• Bladder stones
• Chlamydia
• Cystitis
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Kidney stones
• Prostate inflammation
• Vaginal infection
• Yeast infection

Pain in the Lower Abdomen, Sides, or Groin

Painful urination also signifies kidney stones. When you feel intense pain while urinating, it may be due to the stones moving around when urinating. The symptoms may include:

• Severe pain when standing, lying down, or sitting
• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Nausea, vomiting, and fever (which usually happens due to an infection)

Fallen Bladder Protrusion

This condition usually affects women, and the symptoms of this urological disease include:

• Tissue protruding from the vagina
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Difficulty in urinating
• Feeling that your bladder is not empty even after urination
• Urine leakage during sneezing, coughing, or exertion
• Bladder infections
• Painful intercourse
• Lower back pain

Hernia

This urology diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms are difficult to detect. If you see or feel a bulge in the lower abdomen that is more evident when you’re standing, it could be a hernia. Coughing and other types of physical strain will make the bulge more noticeable. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, you need to get urology treatment, without any delay.

Why Jeevandan Health for Urology?

The Urology Department at Jeevandan Health provides facilities for a wide range of basic and specialised urological investigations and treatments with world-class expertise in all aspects of urological care. Our department is one of the few national centres that offer highly specialised tests, such as video urodynamics and template prostate biopsy.

We are one of the first to introduce steroid-free immunosuppression in renal transplant surgery, which significantly reduces the risk of steroid-induced infective complications.

Some common urological diseases for which we offer treatment and care include:

• Urinary Incontinence or bladder control problems
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Bladder prolapse
• Haematuria (blood in the urine)
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Interstitial cystitis (also called painful bladder syndrome)
• Overactive bladder
• Prostatitis (swelling of the prostate gland)

In children, some of the urological conditions we treat include:

• Bed-wetting
• Undescended testicles
• Posterior urethral valve problems
• Pelvic urethral junction obstruction

Diagnosis for Urology Problems: What to Expect?

Generally, a urologist will start with one or more tests to identify what type of urology services you need. Often, the diagnostic tests begin with blood and urine tests to gauge the actual cause. Other tests can include:

• Imaging tests like a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to check inside the urinary tract.
• Cystoscopy involves advancing a thin tube, called a cystoscope, in your body to see the inside of the urethra and bladder.
• Cystogram, a procedure that allows urologists to take an X-ray image of the bladder.
• Post-void residual urine test checks how fast urine leaves the body during urination. It also shows the amount of urine left in the bladder after you urinate.
• Urine sample test, which checks for infection-causing bacteria in the urine.

How We Ensure Effective Diagnosis

Initial Examination

The first step is to collect your medical history and all other information related to the problem you are experiencing. The doctor will examine your physical condition and ensure that the organs and lymph nodes are in proper condition.

Laboratory Examination

This includes various tests, like blood and urine, to ensure that the kidneys and bladder are in proper working condition.

Urodynamic Testing

This is a modern examination to determine the functioning of the urinary system.

Endoscope Examination

The doctor might use a special instrument, called an endoscope, to examine the internal surface of your genitourinary system.

Ultrasound Diagnostics

This is considered one of the most effective methods of diagnosing urological diseases. The main benefits include the absence of contrasting agents and no dependence on the results of functional kidneys.

Urology Treatment at Jeevandan Health

Urinary problems usually occur when the urinary tract is infected by pathogens like fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Usually, generic urological diseases can be treated with antibiotics because they are caused by infections. You must complete the course of medication prescribed by the urologist to ensure quick recovery. It’s important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. If the symptoms don’t subside with medication, there may be an underlying problem. Your urologist may recommend further tests before deciding on the treatment.

Surgical Procedures in Urology

Urologists are trained to perform different types of surgery, such as:

• Biopsies of the bladder, kidneys, or prostate.
• Cystectomy to remove the bladder for cancer treatment.
• Kidney transplant to replace a damaged kidney with a healthy one.
• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, which breaks up kidney stones for easy removal.
• Procedures to open blockages in the urinary tract.
• Procedures to repair damage due to injury.
• Prostatectomy to remove all or part of the prostate gland for the treatment of prostate cancer.
• Repair or reconstruction of urinary organs that aren’t well-formed.
• Sling procedure for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Here, strips of mesh are used to support the urethra and keep it closed.
• Ureteroscopy for the removal of stones from the ureter and kidneys.
• Vasectomy, a procedure followed to prevent pregnancy. It involves cutting and tying the vas deferens or the tube sperms travel through to produce semen.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate to remove excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate to remove excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

It is always better to prevent urological diseases than try to treat a problem after it has occurred. Here are some preventive measures you can take to minimise the chances of you seeking urology services:

• Timely treatment of infectious diseases, especially sore throat, sinusitis, gastrointestinal tract, and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Proper personal hygiene, especially around the genitals.
• Wearing clothes made from natural fibres, such as cotton and silk, to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
• Avoiding overwork, stress, and dehydration.
• Managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
• Following proper hygiene in your sexual life.
• Visiting a urologist at least twice a year for checkups and routine examinations.
• Following a nutritious diet that includes plenty of dairy products, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Keep your intake of salt low while avoiding processed foods.
• Regular walks.
• Taking time to meditate and do yoga.
• Getting adequate sleep.
• Avoiding OTC painkillers as much as you can.
• Quitting smoking and over-consumption of alcohol.
• Drinking at least two litres of water a day.

Lifestyle measures and a healthy diet also play a vital role in the management of urological disorders.