Urology

Urology (genitourinary surgery) is the specialized branch of medicine that is concerned with male and female urinary tract diseases and abnormalities. In addition to this, urology focuses on issues with the male reproductive system (penis, testes, prostate, etc.)

Urology Subspecialties

Because there are various stages of physical human development, there are also various subspecialties in urology to cater to specific needs.

• Pediatric Urology. A subspecialty that caters to children.
• Urologic Oncology. The branch that deals with cancers of the urinary tract or reproductive organs.
• Renal Transplant. The kidneys have a subspecialty for transplant procedures.
• Male Infertility. An area that specifically deals with a man’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female.
• Urinary Tract Stones. Depending on the location, these may be identified as kidney stones, ureteral stones, or bladder stones. This subspecialty is dedicated to treatment and removal of mineral build-ups in the urinary tract.
• Female Urology. This area focuses on urologic conditions specifically in women such as urinary tract infections, pelvic prolapses and other conditions more common to females.

Medical Conditions

The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, all of which are designed to eliminate waste via urine from the body. When any part of this system is compromised, a medical condition can occur. Getting these disorders treated and under control as soon as possible can mean the difference between regaining your health, or suffering from additional issues as a result of doing nothing.

The following are some common urinary tract disorders we treat:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Usually due to aging, this is where the prostate gland becomes enlarged making urination difficult.
• Bladder cancer
• Erectile dysfunction. Inability for a male to achieve or maintain and erection.
• Hydronephrosis. Swelling of the kidneys.
• Kidney stones. A small, hard mineral build-up in the kidneys.
• Male Infertility. Inability to impregnate a fertile female.
• Pelvic organ prolapse. Muscle or tissue condition in the female pelvic region, possibly due to childbirth or aging.
• Prostate cancer
• Small bowel prolapse (enterocele). Occurring in women, this is where part of the small intestine drops into the lower pelvic cavity, pushing at the top part of the vagina.
• Testicular cancer
• Ureteral cancer
• Urinary incontinence. Condition where a person suffers from uncontrollable urination.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI). Infection in any part – kidneys, urethra, bladder, etc – of the urinary tract.

Urinary Tract Treatments and Procedures

If one of the urological conditions listed above is something you’re suffering with, below are some of the latest medical breakthroughs and treatments for urinary tract disorders and diseases.

• Bladder Removal Surgery. Known as “Cystectomy”, this procedure removes the affected bladder.
• Cystoscopy. Endoscopy (a minimally invasive way to look inside the body) of the urinary bladder to examine the lining and the urethra in order to get a proper look at a variety of conditions.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. A noninvasive procedure using waves of energy pressure to treat some urinary tract disorders such as kidney stones.
• Kidney Removal Surgery. Known as “Nephrectomy”, this procedure removes the affected kidney.
• Procedure where either reconstruction or replacement of the urethra occurs in order to widen the urine channel.