Understand the field
Clarify the scope of the specialty and the questions it may address.
Urology
Urology
Understand urinary health, the role of the urologist and the questions that help you discuss an individual care pathway.
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Overview
Understanding the Specialty
Urology covers conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, as well as the prostate and male reproductive organs. Its scope includes urinary stones, continence problems, benign prostate enlargement, sexual and reproductive health, and urological cancers. A consultation does not necessarily lead to surgery: assessment may lead to monitoring, medical treatment or a procedure. The diagnosis, available alternatives, expected benefits, possible effects on urinary or sexual function and follow-up should be discussed with the treating team. This guide provides context and cannot establish a diagnosis or select a treatment.
Related Procedures
Open a family to compare canonical procedures; technical variants and devices are explained within the relevant procedure.
Surgical fertility procedures1
Related Procedures17
Cystoscopy
A 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. BAUS
Urodynamic testing
This 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. BAUS
Prostate biopsy
Tissue 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. EAU
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
Shockwaves 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. BAUS
Ureteroscopy and laser treatment
An 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. BAUS
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
An 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. BAUS
Ureteric stent or nephrostomy
These 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. EAU
Surgery for benign prostatic obstruction
Transurethral 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. EAU
Treatment of urethral stricture
Dilatation 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. EAU
Surgery for stress urinary incontinence
After 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 BAUS
Botulinum toxin and neuromodulation
These 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. EAU
Partial or radical nephrectomy
Depending 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. EAU
Transurethral resection of a bladder tumour
TURBT 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. BAUS
Intravesical treatment
BCG 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. EAU
Cystectomy and urinary diversion
Bladder 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. EAU
Radical prostatectomy
This 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
Orchidectomy for suspected cancer
Removing the testicle through an inguinal approach is part of the usual diagnosis and treatment of a suspicious tumour. Discuss sperm preservation, a prosthesis and hormonal function. Pathology, markers and staging determine surveillance or additional treatment. EAU
Doctors
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No verified public doctor profile is currently published for this specialty.
Healthcare Institutions
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No verified public healthcare institution is currently published for this specialty.
Country Guides
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Cyprus
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France
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Morocco
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Romania
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Spain
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Tunisia
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Turkey
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United Arab Emirates
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Our articles
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Official sources
Use these institutional resources to continue reading and prepare questions for a qualified professional.
BAUS — What is urology?
Open official sourceUrology Care Foundation — What is urology?
Open official sourceEuropean Association of Urology — Patient information
Open official sourceVerification & Trust
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