The indication
Clarify the problem the procedure addresses and the benefit sought in your circumstances.
Ask your professionalWhat are we aiming to achieve for me?
Published catalogue
Understand medical procedures
Move from a major medical family to a specialty, then to the clinical branch that helps you understand each intervention in context.
Medical procedures
Explore progressively by family, specialty and clinical branch — or use search and the alphabet for direct access.
Starting point · Urology
Matching procedures
19 procedures
Gynecology · Pelvic floor and incontinenceSurgery for urinary incontinenceSurgery for stress urinary incontinence may use a mid-urethral sling or colposuspension; material, voiding function, alternatives and long-term complications differ. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.IVF · Surgical fertility proceduresSurgical sperm retrievalSurgical sperm retrieval includes PESA, TESA, TESE, micro-TESE and MESA, which collect sperm from epididymal or testicular tissue for use commonly with ICSI. This page explains the questions to ask and the continuity of care to plan.UrologyCystoscopyA camera examines the urethra and bladder, for example to investigate blood in the urine or monitor a tumour. Taking a biopsy is an additional procedure. Burning and traces of blood may occur; fever, retention or substantial bleeding require prompt advice. BAUSUrologyUrodynamic testingThis measures bladder and voiding function when the findings could guide treatment. It is not needed for every case of incontinence. A bladder diary and simpler investigations may be sufficient initially. Infection risk and the meaning of the results should be explained. BAUSUrologyProstate biopsyTissue samples identify and characterise cancer. A transperineal approach and targeting an MRI abnormality should be discussed according to the case. Blood in urine or semen may occur; fever and inability to pass urine require urgent contact. Arrange an appointment to discuss results. EAUUrologyExtracorporeal shockwave lithotripsyShockwaves break up selected stones. Effectiveness depends on size, position and composition; repeated sessions or another technique may be needed. Fragments can cause colic or obstruction. Follow-up checks whether the fragments have cleared. BAUSUrologyUreteroscopy and laser treatmentAn endoscope reaches a stone through the urinary tract to fragment or remove it. A temporary ureteric stent may be inserted. Infection, ureteric injury and residual stones are risks to discuss. A further procedure may be necessary. BAUSUrologyPercutaneous nephrolithotomyAn access tract through the skin allows removal of some large or complex kidney stones. The choice is compared with options including ureteroscopy. Follow-up addresses bleeding, infection, any drainage tubes and remaining fragments. Hospital stay depends on the procedure and overall health. BAUSUrologyUreteric stent or nephrostomyThese devices drain the kidney; they do not necessarily remove the cause of obstruction. An obstructed kidney with infection or absent urine output may require urgent drainage. Record the removal or exchange date. Fever, displacement or stopped drainage need immediate advice. EAUUrologySurgery for benign prostatic obstructionTransurethral resection, laser enucleation including HoLEP, and simple prostatectomy remove obstructing tissue in different circumstances. They are different from radical prostatectomy for cancer. Compare medicines and other options; discuss bleeding, continence, ejaculation and the possibility of further treatment. EAUUrologyTreatment of urethral strictureDilatation or urethrotomy opens a narrowing; urethroplasty reconstructs the urethra. Length, location and previous treatment guide the choice. Recurrence remains possible. Catheter removal timing and checks of urinary flow form part of follow-up. EAUUrologySurgery for stress urinary incontinenceAfter assessment and discussion of pelvic floor rehabilitation, a sling, colposuspension or another option may be offered depending on the circumstances. Some men may be considered for an artificial urinary sphincter. Explain retention, continuing leakage and implant complications; arrange specialist follow-up. EAU and BAUSUrologyBotulinum toxin and neuromodulationThese treatments address selected overactive bladders that are not adequately relieved by initial measures. Botulinum toxin can cause retention requiring intermittent self-catheterisation; neuromodulation requires patient selection and device follow-up. Effects, repeat treatment and alternatives are discussed individually. EAUUrologyPartial or radical nephrectomyDepending on the tumour, its location and kidney function, surgery removes part or all of the kidney. Surveillance or ablation may suit some small masses. Preserving kidney tissue, controlling cancer and limiting complications need to be balanced. EAUUrologyTransurethral resection of a bladder tumourTURBT removes a lesion and provides tissue to establish its type and depth. A second resection or additional treatment may be indicated. Bleeding, perforation and recurrence are reasons for organised follow-up. BAUSUrologyIntravesical treatmentBCG or chemotherapy delivered into the bladder may reduce recurrence or progression in selected circumstances. It is different from intravenous chemotherapy. Report infection and bleeding before a session; persistent fever or significant illness after BCG requires urgent assessment. EAUUrologyCystectomy and urinary diversionBladder removal requires a new route for urine: a conduit with a stoma or another reconstruction, depending on eligibility. Multimodal bladder preservation may be discussed for selected cancers. Prepare for stoma care, kidney monitoring, nutrition, sexuality and independence. EAUUrologyRadical prostatectomyThis removes the prostate to treat selected cancers. Active surveillance, radiotherapy or systemic treatment may be alternatives depending on risk and stage. Consent addresses incontinence, erectile function and fertility. Follow-up includes PSA measurements and review of the surgical pathology. EAU
Before deciding
Understand a procedure before considering it
A procedure page helps you understand an intervention. Its suitability for you is discussed with a professional, considering your circumstances, the options and what matters in your life.
Understand the purpose. Explore the options. Prepare what comes next.
The alternatives
Consider other options and the possible consequences of waiting or having no intervention.
Ask your professionalWhat other possibilities should we discuss?
Preparation
Share your medicines and medical history. Clarify the tests and instructions appropriate to the planned procedure.
Ask your professionalWhat individual instructions should I receive before my appointment?
What happens
Ask about the steps, the team and, where relevant, the anaesthesia.
Ask your professionalWhat will actually happen during the procedure?
Aftercare and recovery
Plan support at home, appointments and the return to activities with your care team.
Ask your professionalWhat follow-up should be arranged after discharge?
Risks and complications
Ask about risks relevant to you, uncertainties and what to do if difficulties arise.
Ask your professionalWho should I contact and which signs mean I should seek help?
Your questions, ready for the consultation
Write down your priorities and anything that remains unclear. Ask for explanations in a language you understand.
- What benefit can I reasonably expect?
- What might change the decision?
- Which documents and contacts should I keep afterwards?
These pointers help you prepare a discussion with a professional. They do not establish an individual indication or a preparation or recovery protocol.
Sources and reading context
NHS resources in English. The surgery pages address surgical procedures; arrangements for other procedures should be clarified with the relevant team. Local processes may differ.
- Discussing surgery with a specialist NHS · Seeing a specialist — Having an operation (surgery)
- Preparing for surgery NHS · Before surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Planning aftercare and discharge NHS · After surgery — Having an operation (surgery)
- Understanding consent to treatment NHS · Consent to treatment
Sources accessed on 14 September 2026
Continue with the right medical context.
Compare the related specialty and use the Guide to understand destinations, preparation and the questions to ask a professional.