Top 5 Common Urologic Problems and How to Spot Them
Dr. Rajasekar M
4 Min Read
Oct 16, 2024
At Manipal Hospitals Salem, we deliver exceptional urology treatment through the latest procedures. Our team of expert urologists and cutting-edge medical facilities makes it possible to offer personalised treatment and the best results for everything from bladder problems to prostate illnesses.
Manipal Hospitals is the best choice for urology-related problems because of our experienced urologists, advanced medical technology, and patient-centric approach to treatment. We offer comprehensive care for urological conditions, including minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgeries. Our team ensures personalised treatment plans and outcomes for patients. The most efficient treatment regimens can be prescribed by our specialists, thanks to our cutting-edge diagnostic and advanced surgical technology, a paradigm shift in technological treatment procedures in modern times.
This type of enlargement of the prostate gland isn’t associated with cancer but can lead to issues when trying to empty the bladder. This can be treated with surgery or medication. Minimally invasive BPH treatments such as the UroLift system and Green Light Laser Therapy are the preferred treatment options.
When you have bladder cancer that has spread into the bladder wall or has come back after initial treatment, your urologists may gently advise you to go in for its removal. Depending on the spread, they may suggest either a partial or radical cystectomy or bladder removal to treat the cancer.
Urethroplasty is an open surgical reconstruction or replacement of the urethra that has been narrowed by scar tissue and spongiofibrosis (urethral stricture). There are over a dozen different types of methods to treat urethral strictures.
A penile implant is a modern option for men having a medical condition in erectile dysfunction(ED). At times, a penile prosthesis is implanted during surgery to reconstruct the penis when scarring has caused erections to curve, also called Peyronie's disease.
Lithotripsy is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy shock waves or lasers to break down and eliminate bothersome stones in the kidney, quickly and effectively. During the procedure, a special machine called a lithotripter generates the shock waves that travel into your body and break apart the stones.
Urinary Stone Disease is collectively known as urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, kidney stones, and nephrocalcinosi, and indicates the presence of stones and calcification within the urinary tract. Urolithiasis is about the formation of stones in the urinary and bladder, nephrolithiasis is of kidney stones and nephrocalcinosi is of the calcium deposits…
There are different types of bladder cancers and these are diagnosed by the Urology department, with the use of telescopic examinations, namely cystoscopy. A biopsy is done to assess the nature of cancer. Treatments will be based on the type of bladder cancer found and this can involve medications being placed in the bladder directly followed by surgery,…
Tumors in the kidney need to be handled by specialists depending on the level of advancement of cancer when it is diagnosed. Early treatment can help patients live cancer-free lives.
This type of cancer is observed in younger men, mostly in their twenties or thirties. It could be indicated by bumps, lumps, hardened testicles or size changes. If diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully.
All the conditions related to urological disorders and the treatment procedure we provide here at Manipal Hospitals Salem, is listed below:
Kidney stones have various medical terminologies, such as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that accumulate inside your kidneys. Factors such as diet, excess body weight, certain medical conditions, specific supplements, and drugs can cause the formation of kidney stones in any section of your urinary tract, from your kidneys to your bladder. When urine becomes concentrated, minerals can crystallise, adhere to one another, and frequently lead to stones.
Even though passing kidney stones can be painful if not caught early enough, they usually don't have a lasting negative effect. Depending on your circumstances, passing a kidney stone may only require taking painkillers and drinking lots of water. If you are at high risk of having kidney stones again, your doctor may offer preventive medication for advanced urology treatment in Salem.
Long, thin, thulium-doped silica fibre is used as the active laser medium in thulium fibre lasers (TFL). Several diode lasers deliver energy via the fibre to excite the thulium ions. Through an outgoing laser fibre, photons with a wavelength of 1940 nm are released and aimed at the operational field. Both continuous and pulsed modes of operation are available. Additionally, TFL can function in various energy, frequency, and pulse shape settings.
Standard PCNL stands for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove large kidney stones. It involves creating a small incision in the back and inserting a nephroscope to access the kidney. The stones are then fragmented using various techniques, such as ultrasound or laser, and removed through the nephroscope. Standard PCNL is an effective method for treating complex or large kidney stones that cannot be effectively treated with non-invasive techniques like medication or shock wave lithotripsy.
Mini Perc, also known as Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, is a variation of the standard Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure. It is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to remove kidney stones. In Mini Perc, smaller instruments and a smaller access tract are utilised compared to standard PCNL. This approach aims to reduce trauma and promote quicker recovery for the patient.
Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is the least intrusive surgery method within the kidney, utilising a viewing tube called a fiberoptic endoscope. When doing RIRS, the scope is inserted through the urethra (the urinary opening) into the bladder and then through the ureter into the kidney's urine-collecting portion.
Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery, or ECIRS, demonstrates complete control in the operating room: Rigid and flexible endoscopes, along with the necessary accessories, are used in this endourology procedure to access the upper urinary system from both an antegrade and retrograde perspective. All forms of urolithiasis can be treated with a minimally invasive approach thanks to the effective collaboration of ECIRS.
A minimally invasive method called laparoscopic pyeloplasty can be used for reconstructive surgery on a constriction or scarring where the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, joins the kidney.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to assist you in passing your kidney stone. This kind of drug, an alpha blocker, eases the tension in your ureter's muscles, which facilitates the quicker and less painful passage of the kidney stone.
A walnut-shaped gland called the prostate is a component of the male reproductive system. Making a fluid that transforms into semen is the prostate's primary job, and prostate fluid is required for a man's fertility. Tumours of the prostate develop when the prostate tissues grow uncontrollably and create benign or malignant (cancer) cells. Prostate cancer symptoms include a weak flow of urine or frequent urination. Prostate cancer is identified through tests that look at the prostate and blood. Prostate gland enlargement can cause difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and a weak or interrupted stream of urine. Inflammation of the prostate gland (Prostatitis),
Thulium Fibre Laser Enucleation of the Prostate is known as TFLEP. For the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it is a less invasive surgical method. In TFLEP, extra prostate tissue is removed with a thulium fibre laser, relieving urinary blockage and improving urine flow.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat an enlarged prostate gland due to inflammation (Prostatitis). This involves removing a portion of the prostate. Men only have a little gland in their pelvis called the prostate. The urethra, the tube that delivers urine from the bladder to the penis, is encircled by it and is situated between the penis and the bladder.
The Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) study was a multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial that examined whether the oral medications finasteride (Proscar) and doxazosin (Cardura), either separately or together, could delay or prevent the worsening of symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Prostate cancer care involves a multidisciplinary approach, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. At Manipal Hospital Salem, personalised care plans are developed to address each patient's needs while managing symptoms and providing support throughout the treatment journey.
Reconstructive urology is performing surgery on the upper and lower urinary system and some reproductive organs to restore normal function. It also covers sexual and urogenital functions. Patients may require reconstructive urological intervention due to trauma, birth deformities, medical disorders, accident, surgery or other treatment consequences that may harm their urinary system. Our urologists—specialists in the urinary tract—practice in one of the country's top hospitals and research institutes and are acknowledged as leading authorities in reconstructive urology globally.
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that removes urine from the body, caused by scarring. When a male urinates, the urethra might constrict, which makes it challenging and uncomfortable. A stricture limits the passage of urine out of the bladder and may lead to several health issues with the urinary tract, such as infection or inflammation. Increased urination discomfort and a slowing of the urine stream are common in males with strictures, and this may gradually worsen and result in pushing or straining to urinate. Sometimes, the issue will manifest quickly and without warning, necessitating immediate attention.
An anastomotic urethroplasty can be utilised to treat urethral strictures, which is done by reattaching the two ends of the urethra. The operation entails removing the scar tissue and constructing a new, broader route to allow urine flow. Its goal is to restore normal urine function and alleviate symptoms of urethral constriction.
Graft and flap urethroplasty is a surgical technique to treat complex urethral strictures. It involves using tissue grafts or flaps from nearby areas, such as the buccal mucosa or penile skin, to reconstruct the narrowed urethra. This procedure aims to restore normal urine flow and improve urinary function.
DVIU stands for Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy. It is a method for treating urethral strictures. Urination problems and ejaculatory alterations can result from urethral strictures, which are narrowings of the urethra. Although urethral strictures can also occur in females, DVIU should only be used to treat male urethral strictures.
A meatotomy is nothing more than a technique to enlarge the meatus opening. In a meatotomy, the tissue around the cut may not be altered in any way, including with stitches. A meatotomy is commonly performed when the meatus is excessively thin, a condition called meatal stenosis or urethral stricture. The meatus may also be removed if covered in a thin or webbed skin layer. The majority of young, circumcised males who have this operation are males.
Surgical foreskin removal from a baby's penis is known as circumcision. A lower incidence of illnesses such as urinary tract infections is one of the many advantages of circumcision. Circumcision is also performed on older boys and men. The circumcised penis typically recovers in a week at any age.
When the passage of urine from the renal pelvis to the ureter is restricted, it is known as a pelvic ureteric junction (PUJ) blockage. If this obstruction is not treated, it can cause gradual renal decline. PUJO is most frequently congenital (existing from birth), typically due to an anomaly in the muscle growth around the PUJO. A surgery known as pyeloplasty is used to address PUJ obstruction. Robotic assistance is not required whether the surgery is done laparoscopically or through an open incision. Usually, recovery takes place in 72 hours.
Abnormal cancerous (malignant) growths in the kidneys are known as kidney cancer. The size of your hand is what your kidney two bean-shaped organs—are like. One kidney is on either side of your spine and behind your abdominal organs. The most frequent type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma, and there may be more or less specific kidney cancers. A kidney cancer type, Wilms' tumour, is more common in young children. Kidney cancer appears to be becoming more prevalent in recent years. This could be due to various genetic and environmental factors, not to forget the exposure to radiation in our day-to-day life. When the tumour is tiny and limited to the kidney, kidney cancer is frequently found early on.
Renal Tumour
Renal tumours or tumours of the kidney can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign renal tumours are rare and usually do not cause any symptoms. Treatment for malignant renal tumours is based on the patient's age and general health, the tumour's stage and grade, and other factors. Surgery, ablation, radiation therapy, targeted medication therapy, immunotherapy, and occasionally chemotherapy are alternatives.
Ureteric Tumour
A ureteric tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Ureteric tumours account for about 2% of all urinary tract cancers and are more common in men over the age of 60. Surgery is usually used as a treatment for ureteral carcinoma. The size, location, and aggressiveness of the cancer cells, as well as your personal preferences and goals, will all affect the course of your treatment for ureteral cancer.
Bladder Tumours
There are several different bladder cancer treatments available. Your treatment strategy, which could involve multiple treatments, will be decided upon in collaboration with our cancer care team at Manipal Hospital Salem. The cancer's stage and grade, as well as your general health and preferences, will all be considered. Your treatment plan will detail your malignancy, the intended therapy outcomes, available treatment options, potential adverse effects, and anticipated treatment time.
Greek word andros, which means "male," is the source of the word "andrology." It is a field of medicine that handles issues involving the male reproductive system, and it is thought of as the male equivalent of gynaecology. Gynaecology has long been a significant field of study, although andrology is a more recent speciality. However, this field of medicine has received much attention because of the rising awareness of prostate and men's fertility concerns in recent years.
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual problem that affects men of all ages and is characterised by early ejaculation during sexual intercourse that happens before the man or his partner wants it to. Depending on the cause, there are various therapeutic options for premature ejaculation. Medication, counselling, and behavioural treatment are a few of these. Behaviour therapy and counselling are typically used as the first line of treatment for most causes of premature ejaculation to address any underlying emotional issues, performance anxiety, or stressors. Multiple therapy modalities may frequently be used together.
Penile implants are devices inserted inside the penis to help men with erectile dysfunction (ED) get an erection. Following the failure of traditional ED treatments, penile implants are frequently advised. Inflatable and semi-rigid penile implants are the two primary varieties. Each kind of penile implant functions differently and has unique benefits and drawbacks. Surgery is necessary for penile implant installation. Be sure to fully comprehend the surgery's potential risks, problems, and aftercare before deciding on penile implants.
Penises come in various sizes and shapes, so having a curved erection isn't always a cause for alarm. The curvature can be mild, moderate, or severe. Some men with Peyronie's disease experience severe discomfort or bending. Peyronie's disease treatment plans are based on how long it has been since you started experiencing symptoms. Penile Curvature can also be congenital or due to some trauma or infection. You experience penile pain, changes in length or curvature, or a deformity. Plication and Grafting surgery are common penile curvature correction surgeries to treat severe penile curvature.
The field of female urology focuses on diagnosing and treating urinary tract problems, which are most common in females and include urine incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapses, recurrent urinary tract infection, and pelvic discomfort. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and additional bladder tests like cystoscopy, imaging tests like a CT or MRI, and urodynamics are all part of a professional evaluation of these disorders.
Treatment and Procedure
Female urology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract and pelvic floor disorders specific to women. Treatment options vary depending on the condition and severity but may include behavioural therapies, pelvic floor exercises, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery. A multidisciplinary approach including departments like gynaecology and urology specialists, to set the goal is to improve urinary function, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life. Female urologists specialise in this field and provide comprehensive care, addressing these conditions' medical and emotional aspects to offer personalised treatment plans for each patient.
Neurourology is a branch of medicine that focuses on studying and managing urinary dysfunction related to neurological conditions. It involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating urinary problems caused by neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, etc. Common issues include urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urinary retention, and neurogenic bladder. Neuroradiologists employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining medications, behavioural therapies, catheterisation techniques, neuromodulation, and surgical interventions to optimise bladder function and improve the quality of life for patients with neurogenic urinary disorders. The aim is to restore or enhance urinary control and minimise complications associated with these conditions.
Treatment and Procedure
Neurourology conditions may include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and other neurological disorders. Neuro-urology treatment options aim to manage symptoms such as urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and overactive bladder. They may include behavioural interventions, medications, neuromodulation techniques, and surgical interventions. Neurologists work closely with other medical professionals, such as neurosurgeons and urologists, to develop individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. The ultimate goal is to optimise urinary function, enhance quality of life, and improve overall bladder health in individuals with neurological conditions.
Huge quantities of waste and fluid build up in the body due to the limited filtering capacity of the kidneys can increase blood pressure and lead to kidney failure. Kidney transplantation can treat end-stage renal illness or chronic kidney disease to feel better and live longer. The kidney can be obtained from either a living or a deceased donor. Living-donor kidney transplantation is possible because only one given kidney is required to replace two damaged kidneys. If they are a suitable match, family members or other individuals may be able to donate one of their kidneys. Donors of kidneys can live healthy lives with one functioning kidney. One kidney is given to a patient undergoing a transplant. In most cases, the damaged kidneys are not removed. The donated kidney is inserted in the lower belly on the front side of the body. If a compatible living donor isn't available, the patient might be added to a kidney transplant waiting list to get a kidney from a deceased donor. The patient will additionally be requiring dialysis until a matched donor is found.
Manipal Hospitals' urology department in Salem is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge technology, and the department provides accurate and efficient diagnoses of urological conditions. Patients benefit from various treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures, laparoscopic surgeries, and specialised treatments for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate disorders, bladder problems, urinary incontinence, and urological cancers. The department's dedicated team of highly skilled urologists and healthcare professionals prioritise patient comfort and satisfaction, delivering personalised care and treatment plans tailored to individual needs. With a patient-centred approach and a commitment to excellence, Manipal Hospitals Salem ensures that residents receive the highest quality urological care, making it the best urology hospital in Salem.
The physician will perform a genital exam plus a digital rectal exam to assess the prostate. This can include sonography of the kidneys, the bladder, and/or the prostate; or an imaging scan to visualize specific organs. The urologist may recommend an ambulatory, office-based procedure.
Our urology department specialises in diagnosing and treating various urological conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate disorders, bladder problems, urinary incontinence, and urological cancers.
We offer advanced minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgeries for various urological conditions. These procedures result in smaller incisions, reduced pain, faster recovery times, and improved patient outcomes.
Yes, our urology department has experienced urologists who provide specialised care for children with urological conditions. Our paediatric urologists are trained in managing various conditions specific to children, ensuring comprehensive and child-friendly treatment.
Our urology department consists of a highly skilled team of urologists experienced in managing complex urological conditions, and they stay updated with the latest advancements in urological treatments.
We believe in providing individualised care to patients. Our urologists thoroughly evaluate each case and tailor treatment plans to meet the needs and preferences of patients. We prioritise open communication and patient collaboration.
Urological conditions can be both simple and complex. But whatever be its nature, it reduces the quality of life. Manipal Hospitals stand for quick recovery through the least invasive, most appropriate and advanced treatment available. Contact us to know more about urological problems and book an appointment with one of our Urology specialists today.