Urology

Urology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and surgical management of diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract and male reproductive organs.

Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. It deals with various health problems seen in women, men and children.

Many conditions fall within the scope of urology, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, male infertility, prostate diseases, bedwetting in children and sexual dysfunctions. Urological diseases can be successfully treated not only with medication but also with endoscopic (minimally invasive), open or robotic surgical techniques.

What is Urology?

Urology is a surgical branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Urology is not limited to men; it also covers urinary system and reproductive health problems that can affect individuals of all ages, including women and children. The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, as well as male reproductive organs such as the prostate, testicles and penis, are all within the scope of urology.

Urology is also divided into several subspecialties. Andrology (male sexual health and infertility), pediatric urology (children’s urology), neurourology (bladder problems related to the nervous system), endourology (minimally invasive procedures) and uro-oncology (cancers of organs such as the kidney, bladder, and prostate) are among these subspecialties.

Urological diseases are treated not only with medications but also with surgical interventions. Today, with advances in technology, minimally invasive surgeries, laser stone fragmentation procedures and robotic surgical techniques are widely and successfully performed.

What is Urologist?

A urologist is a physician who diagnoses, treats and follows up on diseases of the urinary tract in women, children and men, as well as disorders of the male reproductive system. This title is obtained after graduating from medical school and completing specialty training in urology. Urologists are physicians who work in both medical and surgical fields and adopt a multidisciplinary approach.

Since urology covers diseases across different ages and genders, urologists may also choose to specialize in specific subfields. For example, those who specialize in male sexual health and infertility are called andrology specialists, while those who deal with urological problems in children are called pediatric urologists. Urologists are highly trained physicians who work in many areas, ranging from urinary tract disorders to sexual dysfunctions. These physicians, who handle a wide range of conditions from seemingly simple complaints to more complex diseases, play a critical role in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Urology is a medical specialty that involves the diagnosis, treatment and surgical management of diseases of the urinary system in both women and men, as well as disorders of the male reproductive organs.

What Are The Subspecialties Of Urology?

Because urology encompasses a wide range of medical and surgical interventions, it has gradually developed into several subspecialties. Each subspecialty focuses on a specific group of diseases or a particular patient population. The main subspecialties of urology are as follows:

Andrology

Andrology deals with male reproductive health and sexual dysfunctions. Andrology covers a wide range of conditions, including penile curvature, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, varicocele, prostate diseases, decreased sexual desire and libido-related problems. Diagnostic tests such as sperm analysis and hormone testing also play an important role in this process.

Urooncology and Reconstructive Urology

Urooncology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that develop in the urinary and reproductive systems, including the kidneys, bladder, prostate, testicles and penis. In the treatment of urological cancers, various methods are used, including biopsies, endoscopic tumor removal and robotic surgery. Prostate cancer, in particular, is one of the most common cancers among older men and can be managed through active surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy, depending on the individual case.

In reconstructive urology, abnormalities of the urinary tract or genital organs are repaired and reconstructed. Deformities that may develop as a result of urological cancers, trauma or urethral strictures are corrected through reconstructive surgery.

Calculus Diseases and Endourology

Endourology deals with the treatment of stones and obstructions in the urinary tract and kidneys. These conditions can be treated in various ways depending on the size of the stone and other factors. Today, minimally invasive methods are commonly preferred in the treatment of kidney, ureter, and bladder stones.

Functional Urology and Neurourology

Functional urology deals with the treatment of disorders related to urinary function. Key conditions of interest include urinary incontinence, frequent or nighttime urination and bladder prolapse. In particular, urinary incontinence, which is often seen in women after childbirth or menopause, is treated with medication, pelvic floor exercises and surgical methods.

Neurourology examines urinary voiding disorders that arise from diseases of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, MS and certain neurological disorders can impair urinary control and significantly reduce quality of life. Functional urology and neurourology aim to provide individualized treatment solutions for such conditions.

Pediatric Urology

Pediatric urology studies urological diseases seen from infancy through childhood. Undescended testis, bedwetting, recurrent urinary tract infections, hypospadias (a condition in which the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis) and complications after circumcision are among the most commonly encountered conditions in this field.

Fill Out the Form for an Appointment

What Diseases Does Urology Treat?

Urology is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of many urological diseases that can occur in women, men and children. Since it serves a wide age range, it is divided into several subspecialties within the field. The most commonly managed groups of diseases in urology are as follows:

Kidney and urinary tract stones
Urinary tract infections
Prostate diseases
Male infertility
Sexual dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Bladder Diseases
Problems seen in congenital or developmental periods in children
Cancers
Urinary tract problems after trauma
Urethral strictures
Urinary system abnormalities

Urological diseases are often neglected, but they are conditions that can be completely healed with early diagnosis and treatment. When symptoms are noticed, they should not be ignored and a urologist should be consulted as soon as possible.

What Does Urology Check In Women?

Urological diseases in women are generally related to the urinary system. In particular, processes such as childbirth, aging and menopause can lead to symptoms such as urinary incontinence and bladder prolapse. The most common diseases are:

Urinary incontinence
Sudden and frequent urination
Bladder prolapse (cystocele)
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract, kidney and bladder stones

Urological problems in women are common, but they are treatable health conditions. With early consultation and appropriate treatment, quality of life can be significantly improved.

What Does Urology Check In Men?

Urology deals with diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems in men. The most common diseases are:

Prostate diseases
Sexual dysfunction
Male infertility
Testicle diseases
Cancer
Varicocele
Urinary, kidney and bladder stones
Penile curvature
Erectile dysfunction
Premature ejaculation
Urethra stricture
Bladder emptying problems

These conditions can be successfully treated with both medical therapy and advanced surgical techniques.

What Does Urology Check In Children?

Pediatric urology deals with urological diseases seen from infancy to adolescence. The most common diseases are:

Undescended testicle
Hypospadias
Night bedwetting
Kidney enlargement
Urinary tract infections
Bladder emptying problems
Complications after circumcision

Urological diseases in children can be completely resolved when treated in a timely manner. Therefore, symptoms should not be ignored and medical evaluation should not be delayed.

What Are Urology Diagnostic And Treatment Methods?

In urological diagnosis, various imaging methods and laboratory tests are used, while treatment may include approaches such as medication and surgical intervention. Today, urological evaluation begins with a physical examination and is supported by advanced imaging techniques, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic methods to achieve more accurate results. The main commonly used diagnostic and treatment methods are as follows:

PSA Test

The PSA test is a blood test used to measure a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is especially preferred in prostate cancer screening. An elevated PSA level may indicate conditions such as prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement or prostatitis

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging method that can produce images of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate and other urological organs.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment method that aims to strengthen the immune system, particularly in the treatment of urological cancers.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is an imaging method that enables detailed visualization of internal organs, bones, muscles and other tissues. It is particularly used to determine the location and spread of prostate cancer.

Ultrasound (USG)

Ultrasound allows visualization of organs using sound waves. The structure of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and other urological organs, as well as any masses, can be detected with ultrasound.

Urodynamics Test

Urodynamics test analyzes how the bladder functions during filling and emptying. Urodynamics test is performed using sensors and measuring devices placed in the urinary tract with the help of a catheter. It is particularly used in cases such as frequent urination and urinary incontinence.

Genetic Tests

Genetic tests are performed to evaluate urological diseases in patients with a family history. In particular, genetic abnormalities associated with male infertility and prostate cancer can also be detected through genetic testing.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is used to visualize the inside of the urinary tract with the help of a thin, lighted camera.

Prostate Biopsy

Prostate biopsy is the examination of a tissue sample taken from the prostate for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Samples taken under ultrasound guidance are examined to determine whether cancer cells are present

Blood Tests

Blood tests are frequently used both for general health evaluation and for detecting certain specific diseases.

Urine Tests

Urinalysis is performed to detect conditions such as infection, protein or the presence of crystals. It is one of the primary tests used to identify both infections and kidney diseases.

What Are Urological Tests And Surgical Interventions?

As in every specialty, modern technology is frequently utilized in urology as well. Especially in surgical procedures, minimally invasive methods and laser technologies are preferred in order to shorten recovery time and allow patients to return to their daily activities more quickly. Some of the advanced surgical and treatment methods commonly used in urology are as follows:

HoLEP

HoLEP is an advanced laser technique used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Using a holmium laser, the enlarged prostate tissue is completely removed through a small incision made via the urinary tract. This allows for a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

It can be applied to prostates of all sizes and is particularly ideal for patients with large prostates who are not suitable for conventional surgery.

Thulep (Thulium Laser)

ThuLEP is an advanced laser technology used in the treatment of prostate enlargement, similar to HoLEP. In this procedure, the prostate tissue is removed by vaporization or fragmentation. The choice of laser technology depends on the patient’s condition and the physician’s preference.

Robotic Surgery (Da Vinci Robotic System)

Da Vinci robotic system is an advanced technique used in urological surgery. The surgeon performs the operation in three dimensions using robotic arms. As a result, these procedures generally lead to less bleeding, smaller incisions, less pain and a shorter hospital stay.

HIFU

HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It is especially used in prostate cancer treatment. HIFU is a non-invasive method that uses high-intensity sound waves to heat and destroy tumors within the prostate.

Minimally Invasive Interventions

Minimally invasive surgery allows operations to be performed without large incisions in the body. In this context, laparoscopic kidney or prostate surgeries, minimally invasive kidney stone surgeries (PNL) and ureteroscopy with stone fragmentation can be performed.

Hospitals With Urology Department

Achieving successful outcomes in urology is possible with an experienced medical team, up-to-date diagnostic methods and modern technological infrastructure. Medipol Health Group stands out in the field of urology with both its technological infrastructure and its team of specialist physicians. Urology polyclinic and surgery services are provided in Medipol hospitals below:

Bağcılar Medipol Mega University Hospital
Medipol Acıbadem District Hospital
Bahçelievler Medipol Hospital
Koşuyolu Istanbul Medipol Hospital
Esenler Medipol University Hospital
Sefaköy Medipol University Hospital
Çamlıca Medipol University Hospital
Pendik Medipol University Hospita

For detailed information about Urology, to make an appointment, or to consult specialist physicians, you can apply to the nearest Medipol hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urology

Do Women Go To Urology?

Yes, women can also consult urology for complaints such as urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence and bladder problems.

What is post-micturition residual urine (PMR), how it is measured?

To determine whether there is a voiding problem, the post-micturition residual urine (PMR) volume remaining in the bladder is measured.

How Is Urology Examination Performed?

A urological examination begins with a physical examination and continues with tests such as urinalysis, blood tests or ultrasound depending on the patient’s complaints. Depending on the results of these tests, additional examinations such as MRI or biopsy may be requested.