Understanding Urology Services

 Urology is a specialized medicine practice that generally helps examine, study and treat the urinary tract in both male and female patients. This includes specializing in medical conditions relating to the kidneys, bladder, uterus and urethra. Usually, treatment for urological injury and disease involves surgery, so a urologist has a deep-rooted knowledge in overall health, surgery, internal medicine, and in some cases, pediatrics and gynecology. There are many health complications that may bring a person to see a urologist, as well as several treatments a urologist can perform to bring relief.

Common Causes And Symptoms

Urology can be broken down into several specific fields of specialized medicine, such as male infertility, calculi (or stones in the urinary tract), urologic oncology, female urology (urogynecology) and neurobiology (how the nervous system controls the urinary organs). There are many different injuries, conditions and diseases related to the subsections of the practice, with people experiencing a wide range of symptoms. Some common conditions related to urology can include:

• Blood in the urine
• Bladder stones or stones in the urinary tract
• Cancers in the kidney or bladder
• Frequent urination that may be caused by chronic urinary tract infections or an overactive bladder
• Pelvic pain resulting from interstitial cystitis or pelvic floor dysfunction

Outpatient Procedures

Outpatient urology procedures are usually performed under a local anesthetic, with the patient able to recover enough to return home following the procedure. Common outpatient urologic procedures can include:

• Biopsy - Sometimes to determine the nature of a mass a biopsy is required. This takes a small sample of tissue to be examined more closely outside the body. A biopsy can be taken of the kidney, bladder or prostate tissue.
• Ureteroscopy - Kidney stones can be painful and difficult to pass. Some people require a ureteroscopy to help remove painful kidney stones. This is a procedure that involves inserting a small telescoping device into the body to remove painful stones.
• Vasectomy - Many men seek out a vasectomy for sterilization. This is a relatively easy and quick surgery that most doctors can perform in 30 minutes or less, allowing the patient to return home the same day.
• Stent Placement - A stent is an artificial tube inserted in the body to help create a passageway for fluids. A ureteral stent is common to help drain fluid from the kidney to the bladder if a stone is blocking the path.

As one of the many specialties in medicine, urologist can help treat a number of diseases and conditions related to the urinary tract. Specializing in services for both men and women, and people of all ages, a urologist can help with conditions ranging from urinary conditions to cancers found in the kidney, prostrate or bladder. Having a knowledge of internal medicine and surgical procedures, a urologist can offer a range of treatments to help your unique and individual condition.