Urology

The Department of Urology is a surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the urinary tract in both males and females, as well as the male reproductive system. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and in men, the prostate, penis, and testes.

Urologists manage a wide range of conditions. Common issues include kidney stones, which can cause severe pain; urinary tract infections (UTIs); and bladder control problems such as incontinence or overactive bladder. They also treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate that affects urination in older men, and prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers in men. Other conditions include bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and erectile dysfunction.

Diagnosis in urology involves various tests. Urinalysis checks for infection or blood. Blood tests measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate health. Imaging studies include ultrasound, CT scans, and IVP (intravenous pyelogram) to visualize the urinary tract. Cystoscopy, using a thin camera tube inserted through the urethra, allows direct examination of the bladder.

Treatment approaches range from medication to surgery. Many conditions are managed with antibiotics, alpha-blockers, or hormonal therapy. When surgery is needed, urologists perform procedures from stone fragmentation using shock waves (lithotripsy) to minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery for cancer. They also perform transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for BPH and vasectomies for male sterilization. The goal of urology is to restore urinary and reproductive health while preserving function and quality of life.