Urology is the field of medicine that deals with diseases of the urinary tract and the reproductive organs of men and women. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder. Urology also deals with diseases of the male reproductive organs, including the testicles, penis, and testes.
Symptoms
Urology symptoms can be a sign of a variety of medical conditions. The most common of these is urinary tract infection (UTI). About 60 percent of women suffer from a UTI at some point in their lives, but men only experience UTIs around 12 percent of the time. Treatment for UTIs typically involves antibiotics. Early treatment is essential to prevent further infection and minimize the risk of complications.
Other urology symptoms are the enlarged prostate, or BPH, and the difficulty in emptying the bladder. These symptoms include a weak stream, difficulty getting started, incomplete voiding, dribbling, and urgency. Men may also experience nocturia, which is the Dr Paul Manohar frequent urge to go to the bathroom at night.
Procedures
Perioperative care is a key aspect of urology. During surgery, patients are put under anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort. A sedative medication is often administered to help the patient relax before the procedure, while general anesthesia puts the patient into a deep coma. Patients are monitored closely by a health care team throughout the procedure.
Urological procedures include radiofrequency ablation, transurethral needle ablation, transurethral prostate resection, and transurethral incision of the prostate. These procedures are performed to remove the overly-large prostate and treat various conditions related to it. Transurethral resection of the prostate is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a resectoscope inserted through the urethra. The urologist then visually examines the prostate and trims tissue accordingly. This outpatient procedure is often recommended when medication has not provided enough relief. It can help a patient urinate more easily, have better control of their urination, and feel more comfortable.
Specialties
Urology is an elective medical specialty that offers an opportunity to gain extensive experience in a wide variety of urological conditions. A fellowship in urology may require four years to complete. Many urologists also supplement their fellowship training with a master’s degree or Ph.D. degree, which takes an additional four to six years. These degrees prepare urologists for employment in a variety of positions, including academic and clinical.
Urologists may also specialize in pediatric urology, which focuses on urologic conditions in children. Common conditions treated in this specialty include cryptorchidism, genital anomalies, and delayed puberty. Urologists often work in a team with allied health professionals to perform in-office procedures, such as urinary flow studies, as well as perform patient education.
Training
Urology training is a multi-faceted experience, which requires students to acquire an array of skills and knowledge. Students will be expected to work with their colleagues and participate in a range of clinical settings, including surgical and outpatient clinics. Residents are expected to work on the same level as a seasoned urologist, performing routine procedures, observing other medical students and participating in a variety of clinical research activities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted urology training and recruitment, but it has also contributed to improvements in the field after the acute phase of the epidemic has passed. The pandemic has also led to the growth of novel educational approaches. The introduction of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the use of unfamiliar environments have further highlighted the need for comprehensive training.