Urology

What is a urologist?

Urologists are physicians who are trained in the surgical and medical treatment of diseases of the genitourinary tract, which includes the kidneys, adrenal glands, urinary bladder, ureters (muscles that carry urine from the kidney to bladder) and urethra (tube that empties urine from the bladder out of the body), and male reproductive organs.

‍

The urinary tract is the system that creates, stores, and removes urine from the body. Urologists can treat any part of this system. This includes the:

• kidneys, which are the organs that filter waste out of the blood to produce urine
• ureters, which are the tubes through which urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder
• bladder, which is the hollow sac that stores urine
• urethra, which is the tube through which urine travels from the bladder out of the body
• adrenal glands, which are the glands located on top of each kidney that release hormones

Urologists also treat all parts of the male reproductive system. This system is made up of the:

• penis, which is the organ that releases urine and carries sperm out of the body
• prostate, which is the gland underneath the bladder that adds fluid to sperm to produce semen
• testicles, which are the two oval organs inside the scrotum that make the hormone testosterone and produce sperm

How do you know when it’s time to see a urologist?

Having any of these symptoms suggests you have a problem in the urinary tract:

• blood in your urine
• a frequent or urgent need to urinate
• pain in your lower back, pelvis, or sides
• pain or burning during urination
• trouble urinating
• urine leakage
• weak urine flow, dribbling

Preparation

You need to make a few preparations ahead of your Urology surgery. When you know your appointment time, arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up. You will also need to book time off work.

The day before the surgery:

• You may be required to shower with a special soap (CHG soap)
• Eat a regular meal the night before the operation
• Drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before surgery
• You may need to drink a special drink

On the day of surgery:

• Shower or bath
• Don’t eat 8 hours before your admission
• Finish the second bottle of drink (if having) 2 hours before your arrival time
• Follow instructions on medications
• Don’t wear jewellery, contact lenses, make-up, or use body lotion
• Confirm you have someone to give you a lift to and from the appointment

Risks and complications

As with all surgeries, Urology surgery has risks and, in some cases, may lead to complications. You should always discuss the specific risks with your surgeon.

The risks include, but are not limited to:

• Infection. This may be treated with antibiotics. However, further surgery may be necessary if the infection is deeper in the abdomen or pelvis
• Excessive bleeding in surgery leading to a blood transfusion
• Blood clots. Wear compression stockings, move around after surgery, and drink plenty of water to avoid blood clots
• Pain and discomfort
• Scarring

Recovering from Urology Treatments

Recovery from your Urology treatment begins in the hospital. If needed, you will receive pain management medication and may have some to take home.

You may feel tired from the anaesthetic. It’s important to rest when necessary. You should shower as normal but avoid soaps. Wear loose clothing and avoid using lotions around the wound area, which may cause irritation. If you have bright red bleeding after the operation, contact your GP for advice.

‍

‍