WhatsAppSurgery of the Urinary Tract and Male Genital System
The Urology Department undertakes the diagnosis, medical treatment and surgical management of diseases affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra and the organs of the male genital system. Across a wide range of conditions, from a kidney stone crisis to prostate enlargement, from a bladder tumour to kidney cancer, and from urinary incontinence to male infertility, both conservative options and minimally invasive and robotic surgical options are offered. With a team equipped with laparoscopic and robotic technologies, the Academic Hospital Urology Department provides patients with comprehensive assessment and treatment of the urinary tract.
Contents
What Is Urology?
Urology is the surgical specialty that identifies and treats diseases of the urinary system (kidney, ureter, bladder, urethra) and, in men, of the genital system comprising the prostate, scrotum, penis and testicles. The female urinary system also falls within the scope of urology; urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction are managed in coordination with urogynecology. Urology is a broad field with subspecialties as varied as stone disease, urological oncology, infertility and functional urology. Procedures such as ESWL (shock wave stone fragmentation), laser lithotripsy, robotic prostatectomy and cystoscopy are part of the department's routine repertoire.
Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated Surgically?
The Urology Department undertakes the surgical and medical treatment of the following diseases and conditions:
- Kidney stones: ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave stone fragmentation), ureterorenoscopy (URS) and laser lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
- Ureteric stones: spontaneous passage may be awaited; URS or a ureteral stent for obstructing or large stones
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): medical treatment, transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P), laser prostatectomy, prostatic urethral lift implant
- Prostate cancer: active surveillance, robotic radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy coordination, hormonal therapy
- Bladder tumours: transurethral resection of tumour (TUR-T), intravesical therapy, radical cystectomy
- Kidney tumours: partial nephrectomy (kidney sparing), radical nephrectomy; with robotic and laparoscopic techniques
- Ureteric stricture and obstructive uropathy: endoscopic dilatation, ureteral stent, pyeloplasty
- Urinary incontinence: mid-urethral sling (TOT/TVT), urethral sphincter procedures; coordinated with pelvic floor treatments
- Urethral stricture: urethrotomy, urethroplasty
- Varicocele and hydrocele surgery: microsurgical varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy
- Testicular tumour: radical orchiectomy, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
- Male infertility surgery: vasovasostomy, vasoepididymostomy, TESA/TESE (sperm retrieval)
- Phimosis and circumcision: circumcision under local or general anaesthesia
- Urological emergencies: testicular torsion (emergency orchidopexy), priapism, obstructive uropathy
When Should You Consult Us?
The following symptoms require urological assessment:
- Blood in the urine (haematuria): should be assessed in every case, whether painful or painless
- Severe flank or groin pain: suspicion of a kidney or ureteric stone
- Burning on passing urine, frequent urination and an increase in getting up at night to urinate
- A weakening urinary stream, dribbling or the sensation of incomplete voiding
- Urinary incontinence: leakage on coughing, sneezing or exertion, as well as leakage with a sudden sense of urgency
- A rise in the PSA value or an abnormality on prostate examination
- Painless firmness or a palpable mass in the testicle
- Sudden onset of severe pain and swelling in the scrotum
Emergencies: testicular torsion (sudden scrotal pain) and painless macroscopic haematuria are urological emergencies; they must be assessed without delay and, where necessary, the emergency department should be attended.
Preoperative Assessment
A comprehensive preoperative assessment is carried out before every urological operation. This assessment includes the following steps:
| Assessment | What it provides |
|---|---|
| If there is an active urinary tract infection, treatment before surgery is mandatory | |
| Kidney function (creatinine, BUN, GFR), PSA, full blood count, coagulation tests | |
| Determination of kidney size, hydronephrosis, bladder wall and prostate volume | |
| Detailed mapping of stones, tumours and obstruction | |
| Direct optical visualisation of the inside of the bladder; in abnormal urine findings or bladder complaints | |
| Objective measurement of urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction | |
| In a raised PSA or a suspicious examination finding; standard or under MRI fusion guidance | |
| Separate determination of the function of each kidney; in planning partial nephrectomy |
Operations and Surgical Procedures Performed
The method to be used is determined by the type of disease, the size and location of the stone or tumour, and the patient's general state of health.
| Operation | Scope and application |
|---|---|
| Fragments stones in the kidney and proximal ureter with sound waves applied from outside the body. It requires no surgical incision and is performed on an outpatient basis. It is an effective first choice for kidney stones under 1 to 2 cm. | |
| A thin camera advanced through the urethra visualises the stone in the ureter or kidney, and the stone is fragmented with a holmium laser. No sutures are required; discharge follows within 1 to 2 days. | |
| For large (over 2 cm) and complex kidney stones, the stone is removed through a small access made into the kidney from the back. Although minimally invasive, it causes far less tissue damage than standard open surgery. | |
| In the treatment of BPH, the prostate tissue is reduced from within by entering through the urethra. Catheter follow-up lasts 1 to 2 days; long-term symptom control is high. | |
| The complete removal of the prostate in prostate cancer with a robot-assisted minimally invasive technique. Compared with open surgery it provides less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery of continence. | |
| In bladder tumours the tumour is removed by entering through the urethra; it is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It may be curative in superficial bladder tumours and provides staging in muscle-invasive tumours. | |
| The removal of a tumour from a limited mass in the kidney while healthy tissue is preserved. It is preferred over radical nephrectomy in terms of preserving kidney function. | |
| The placement of a thin tape beneath the urethra in stress incontinence (leakage on exertion). It is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a short time, with a high success rate. | |
| The microsurgical treatment of the dilatation of the veins supplying the testicle (varicocele). It may improve sperm quality in male infertility. | |
| Surgery of the foreskin for phimosis, recurrent infection or religious reasons; it may be performed under local or general anaesthesia. |
The Postoperative Period
The recovery process differs significantly according to the type of operation:
- ESWL and laser stone fragmentation (URS): these are day-case procedures; discharge follows the same day or the next day. The passage of small stone fragments in the urine may take a few days; adequate fluid intake is encouraged.
- PCNL: a hospital stay of 2 to 3 days and 1 to 2 weeks away from work. A nephrostomy tube stays in place for a few days.
- TUR-P and TUR-T: 1 to 3 days in hospital; discharge after temporary catheter follow-up. In the first few weeks the urine may be pinkish in colour, which is a normal part of the process.
- Robotic radical prostatectomy: 2 to 3 days in hospital, 2 to 3 weeks of light activity restriction, 4 to 6 weeks of catheter follow-up. Continence usually recovers fully within 3 to 12 months; erectile function improves gradually with nerve-sparing techniques.
- Partial or radical nephrectomy: 2 to 4 days in hospital and 3 to 4 weeks for full recovery. Regular creatinine measurement is carried out for postoperative kidney function follow-up.
- In all oncological cases: regular oncological follow-up with PSA and imaging is planned; the frequency of follow-up is determined by the tumour type and stage.
Book an appointment with the Academic Hospital Urology Department.
Book an AppointmentUrology at Academic Hospital
The Academic Hospital Urology Department manages pathways ranging from stone disease to urological oncology, and from functional urology to male reproductive health, under one roof, from diagnosis through to postoperative follow-up. The department also works routinely with the following departments:
- Urological Oncology: staging and surgical planning in bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular tumours
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Diseases: advanced assessment in prostate enlargement and prostate cancer
- Urinary Incontinence and Bladder Health: urodynamic assessment and management of bladder dysfunction
- Andrology: assessment of male infertility and reproductive health
- Urogynecology: joint management of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor problems in women
- Nephrology: assessment of loss of kidney function and stone metabolism
- Pediatric Urology: surgical treatment of urinary tract diseases in childhood
Frequently Asked Questions
References
The general information given on this page about urological diseases, surgical options and postoperative follow-up is supported by the reliable health sources listed below.
- European Association of Urology (EAU), "EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis, Prostate Cancer, Bladder Cancer", uroweb.org
- American Urological Association (AUA), "Clinical Practice Guidelines", auanet.org
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), "Urologic Diseases", niddk.nih.gov
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Public Health, "Cancer Screenings", hsgm.saglik.gov.tr
The information on this page is for informational purposes only; it does not replace medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare institution regarding your complaints.
