Urology
What is it? Urology is the medical science that studies the reproductive organs and urinary tract of both men and women. It examines the diagnosis and treatment of all diseases affecting organs such as the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, penis, testicles, scrotum, and prostate gland. Urology encompasses both urinary tract infections and surgical interventions related to the urinary system. All diseases affecting the reproductive system and urinary tract are known as "urogenital disorders." Urology primarily deals with the reproductive and excretory systems in men, while in women it mainly addresses diseases of the excretory system. Because the reproductive and excretory systems in women need to be examined as a whole, urology works in collaboration with gynecologists. Urology is divided into sub-disciplines, including andrology, pediatric urology, female urology, neuro-urology, endourology, and uro-oncology. Andrology: Andrology is a sub-branch of urology that deals with sexual dysfunction. Sexual health in both men and women, and infertility in men, are frequently examined and studied diseases. In these types of disorders, fundamental research is conducted, including anatomical, physiological, and biochemical aspects. The most common complaints in this field are decreased libido in both men and women, pain syndromes in the reproductive organs, abnormalities in the penis structure, and male infertility. In diseases involving hormonal problems, treatments are carried out in collaboration with endocrinology and psychiatry specialists. The solution for male infertility is treatment with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Pediatric Urology: This is a sub-branch developed for urological diseases in children. These diseases in children may present symptoms quite late. However, thanks to advanced technology in recent years, even examinations of abnormalities in the baby are performed using ultrasound, and the treatment process begins as soon as the baby is born. In addition, urology is consulted for urinary problems, gender ambiguity, or swelling in the genital area that may occur in newborns or in older adults. In addition, conditions such as frequent urination, kidney pain, faulty circumcision, and nocturnal or diurnal urinary incontinence are also examined. Female Urology: This sub-discipline encompasses both urology and urogynecology. It deals with conditions such as pelvic prolapse, urinary incontinence, and overactive bladder. These conditions are seen in 10% of women between the ages of 20 and 70. Since the causes of these diseases vary from person to person, the decision for treatment is also individualized, either medically or surgically. Neuro-urology: This sub-discipline examines urinary excretion problems arising from disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It provides necessary treatment for diseases resulting from complaints such as nocturnal urinary problems and frequent urination. Endourology: This sub-discipline deals with the diagnosis and treatment of stones in the urinary tract and kidneys. Treatments can be performed in many ways depending on the size and frequency of the stones. Uro-oncology: This is a sub-discipline concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of urological organs such as the bladder, kidney, prostate, or testicles. Early diagnosis leads to very good responses to treatment. Any urinary disorders, such as blood in the urine, swelling in the testicles (even if painless), or abdominal pain, require immediate consultation with a specialist urologist. Urological Tests and Surgical Procedures: In cases of urological problems, the patient's general health is examined, and some tests may be requested for a more detailed investigation of the disease. The tests typically performed include:
MRI scan or CT scan to pinpoint the disease
Ultrasound (Doppler USG, transrectal USG, urinary USG),
Urine test against infection risks,
Cystogram of the bladder with the help of X-rays,
The use of a cystoscope necessary for visualization of the urinary tract,
Urodynamic tests required for intra-bladder pressure and volume measurement,
Voiding cystourethography (VSUG),
Biopsy against cancer risk,
Blood tests necessary for the examination of the urinary system,
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test,
Semen analysis,
Urine flow test,
Rectal touch examination.
After the necessary tests are done, surgical intervention may be required during the treatment process. The operating techniques that are generally used in patient treatment are as follows:
Classical operations (kidney, bladder, urinary tract, prostate, testicular diseases),
Percutaneous stone surgery (kidney stones)
Radical prostate surgeries,
Laparoscopic surgeries,
endoscopic surgeries,
Microscopic surgeries (in the treatment of infertility),
Microvaricocelectomy.
What Diseases Does Urology Treat? Urology is a surgical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the urinary tract and male reproductive organs in women, men and children. Urology deals with the treatment of diseases such as:
What Does Urology Look For in Men?
Kidney, penis, testis, bladder, adrenal and prostate gland cancers,
Infertility,
Kidney stone,
kidney diseases,
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland),
prostate gland enlargement,
urinary tract infections (UTIs),
Enlarged veins or varicose veins in the scrotum
premature ejaculation,
Impotence,
pain in testicles
What Does Urology Look For in Women?
Bladder, kidney and adrenal gland cancers,
overactive bladder,
Leaving the bladder into the vagina or bladder prolapse,
Kidney stone,
Interstitial cystitis,
UTIs,
urinary incontinence
What Does Urology Look For in Children?
urinary incontinence,
Problems with urinary tract structure and obstructions,
Presence of undescended testis,
Swelling and/or redness on the foreskin,
penile diseases