Urology

There are many reasons to see a urologist. When you see a urologist they may perform a variety of urology procedures to diagnose and treat urologic conditions.

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1. Vasectomy

This is a common urology procedure that many men get. According to the Indian Urological Association, 500,000 men get vasectomies each year in the India. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure used for permanent male birth control. During the procedure, the doctor cuts off the supply of sperm to the semen by cutting and sealing the vas deferens, which carries sperm from the testicles. It is an out-patient procedure that only takes about 10-30 minutes.

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2. Vasectomy Reversal

If a man who has had a vasectomy decides he wants to try and father children again, a vasectomy reversal can be performed. However, vasectomy reversal is not a guarantee the man can conceive a child. Certain factors are necessary for the reversal to be successful. Microsurgical techniques are used to repair the vas deferens.

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3. Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy is a urology procedure that allows a urologist to examine the lining of the bladder and the urethra. An instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and guided to the bladder. The cystoscope is made up of a long, thin tube with a light and a camera at the end. This procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat bladder conditions. It can also be used to diagnose an enlarged prostate.

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4. Prostate Procedures

Urologists may perform a number of procedures to diagnose and treat prostate conditions. These include:

• Prostate biopsy: A procedure to remove samples of tissue from the prostate for examination in a lab. 

• UroLift: A minimally invasive procedure done in-office to treat mild to moderate prostate enlargement.

• Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): A procedure that uses radiofrequency ablation to shrink prostate tissue that is pressing into the urethra and causing urinary symptoms.

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A minimally invasive procedure that uses a special instrument called a resectoscope to trim and seal prostate tissue when the prostate is enlarged and causing difficulty in urination.

• Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): A procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A small endoscope is inserted through the urethra and special instruments create small openings in the bladder neck where it connects to the prostate. This opens the urinary channel so urine can pass.

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5. Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat kidney stones. A special instrument called a ureteroscope (a long, thin tube with a light and camera) is guided through the urethra and the bladder and up the ureter to where the kidney stone is located. Small stones can be removed whole, while larger stones need to be broken up. The procedure used to break up the stones is called lithotripsy.

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6. Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is a urology procedure that uses shock waves or a laser to break down stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter. The laser or shock waves break up large stones so that they can pass through the urinary system.

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7. Orchiopexy

Orchiopexy is a surgical procedure performed to repair an undescended testicle. During the procedure, the testicle is moved from the abdomen or groin area and into the scrotum. Then it is attached to the scrotum with a “tacking stitch.”

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8. Penile Plication

Penile plication is a surgical urology procedure that is used to treat curvature of the penis caused by Peyronie’s disease. It is an outpatient procedure in which permanent sutures are placed on the opposite side of the scarring that causes the curvature.

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9. Penile Implants & Prosthesis

Penile implants or prostheses are devices placed inside the penis to allow men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to get an erection. These devices are usually only recommended after other ED treatments fail. For instance, a penile prosthesis may be recommended for men with severe Peyronie’s disease who cannot get an erection due to the curvature of the penis.

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10. Male circumcision

Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the skin covering the tip of the penis (foreskin) is removed. It is a procedure commonly performed on newborn boys in different places around the world, including in some specific Christian clinics in India. 

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4 Reasons Why You Should See a Urologist

For most men over the age of forty, the last thing they want to do is to make an appointment with another doctor. While it may seem like regular visits with your primary care physician can serve as a catch-all for all factors of your health, the specialty offered by urologists can help round out your total body wellness. Despite being a more specialized field, urologists actually can help with a variety of issues, including certain cancers, bladder conditions, kidney stones, and erectile dysfunction. Taking charge of your sexual, urinary, and prostate health early on can help prevent more serious issues down the road. In addition to preventing more serious conditions, staying up to date on urologist visits can improve your overall quality of life. If you’re above the age of forty and experience any of these conditions, it’s worth adding another appointment to your calendar to see a urologist.

 

1. Regular Prostate Screenings

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in India. It is estimated that one out every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and one out of every 41 men will die from prostate cancer. Fortunately, a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) test administered in your early thirties can help predict your lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer. The results of the PSA will help determine how often you should be screened for prostate cancer. If the PSA level is high, that represents a higher risk of having prostate cancer, but if the reading is .7 or below, you may only need to schedule a prostate screening every five years or so. Whether it’s a life saving action, or if it just helps to create a peace of mind, prostate screenings are just one of the reasons why you should see a urologist.

 

2. Enlarged Prostate

As men age, they may experience an increased urinary urgency, or difficulty urinating. These are both symptoms of an enlarged prostate. By taking time to see a urologist, you can discuss which treatment plan works best for your lifestyle. In some cases, limiting caffeine and alcohol can help relieve these symptoms, but in other cases medication or minimally invasive surgeries help to partially shrink the prostate. 

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3. Erectile Dysfunction

One out of every ten adult men experience erectile dysfunction. The reasons behind ED vary, but it’s a good idea to see a urologist anytime if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, or a decline in libido. A urologist can offer a variety of solutions including testosterone replacements, medications, or other therapies. 

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4. Vasectomy 

Whether you already have a family, or if children aren’t in the cards for you, a urologist can answer any questions you may have about this common procedure. At Indiabesthospitals, we also offer vasectomy reversals for those who have had a change of heart and are interested in conceiving a child. If you’re interested in a vasectomy, or a vasectomy reversal, schedule an appointment to see a urologist and talk through all of the details, from pre-op to post-op and everything in between.

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