Urology

Services provided by the Department of Urology

The Department of urology provides many services related to the male and female urinary system, as well as the male reproductive system, whether congenital problems occurred at birth, or developed later. 

In the Department of urology, treatments are offered for all types of urinary tract disorders and benign and malignant diseases in them, examples of which are:

• Urological surgery in males and females.
• Urological endoscopy.
• Treatment of diseases of the urinary system such as: urinary incontinence, infection, the most famous of which are urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Reconstructive urologic surgeries.
• Andrology, sexual dysfunction and male infertility.
• Sexual dysfunction and infertility in females.
• Treatment of prostatic hyperplasia, prostate laser surgery.
• Shock-wave lithotripsy of urinary stones and endoscopy.
• Congenital malformations of the urinary system in children.
•  Pediatric urology.
• Treatment and surgery of urinary tract tumors and cancers.
• Kidney transplantation.
• Adrenal gland surgeries.

Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, especially as they age. Although this disease often develops slowly, early detection can play a crucial role in improving treatment chances and successfully managing the disease. Therefore, early screening for prostate cancer is an important step in prevention and controlling the disease.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland located beneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It is responsible for producing a fluid that nourishes and helps the movement of sperm. Prostate cancer begins when the cells in the prostate grow abnormally. In many cases, cancer may grow slowly and not cause noticeable symptoms for many years. However, some cases may develop more rapidly, making early detection even more important.

Risk Factors that Require Early Screening

While early screening is essential for all men, certain factors increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including:

1. Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases after the age of 50, and it is more common in men over 65.
2. Family History: If a close family member (father or brother) has been diagnosed with the disease, your chances of developing prostate cancer are higher.
3. Diet: There is some evidence suggesting that a diet high in fats may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Methods of Early Screening

1. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: The PSA test is the most common method for detecting prostate cancer in its early stages. The level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is measured; PSA is a substance produced by prostate cells. Elevated PSA levels may indicate an issue with the prostate, such as cancer or other infections. However, PSA levels can also be high due to non-cancerous conditions.
2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this exam, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to check the size and shape of the prostate. This method can help detect any lumps or changes in the prostate's appearance.
3. Other Tests: If results are suspicious, the doctor may recommend additional tests such as a biopsy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis.

Importance of Early Screening

Early detection of prostate cancer can help in:

1. Identifying cancer in its early stages: This means higher chances of treatment and recovery.
2. Providing more treatment options: Early detection allows doctors to determine the best treatment plan, whether surgery, radiation therapy, or medications.
3. Prevention: In some cases, early screening can detect cancer before it causes noticeable symptoms, helping prevent the progression of the disease.

Should Everyone Undergo Early Screening?

Not all men need early screening. Doctors recommend starting screening after the age of 50 if there is no family history of the disease. However, if you have risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer or if you are in a higher-risk age group, the doctor may recommend starting screening earlier.

Conclusion

Early screening for prostate cancer is acritical step in preventing and managing the disease. Regular screening can help detect cancer in its early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery. If you are at risk, it is important to discuss with your doctor the appropriate timing for your screenings.

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What to expect when visiting the urology department?

During your visit to the urologist, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your urinary and reproductive health, depending on the nature of the symptoms and health problems you are experiencing, which may include: (4) (9)

1-Medical history and physical examination

The doctor will most likely take your detailed medical history, including any medications and dietary supplements you use, any symptoms you experience, conduct a physical examination to assess your overall health and specifically examine the genital and urinary areas.

2-Diagnostic tests

Depending on the symptoms and medical history, the urologist may order various diagnostic tests to diagnose your condition and determine the best way to treat it, including:

• Physical Examination: the entire urological apparatus is examined, including examination of the abdomen, pelvis and rectum, and digital rectal examination (DRE) and pelvic examination (Pelvic Exam) are the most prominent methods for this.
• Urinalysis: a urine sample is taken to check the urine content, check for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, blood, etc.
• Blood Tests: to assess kidney function, determine the cause of diseases such as: prostatitis for men, etc.
• Semen analysis: it is examined in the laboratory to measure the movement, quantity and quality of sperm in a man.
• Urine Flow measurement: it is a test that measures the volume of urine excreted from the body, the speed of its flow, and how long it takes.
• Biopsy: involves taking a tissue sample for examination in the laboratory.
• Imaging Tests: such as: ultrasound, X-ray, tomography (computed tomography), magnetic resonance.
• Endoscopic Examinations: where the doctor uses a small camera to look inside the bladder and urethra and detect any problems in them.

After reviewing your medical history,taking tests and reviewing the test results, the urologist will provide a diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options. This may include lifestyle changes, taking medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery, and you may need to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress or adjust your treatment as needed.

Surgical Operations in the Department of urology

Our team provides complete surgical care for urological problems, including the following procedures:

• Kidney And ureter surgery: the most prominent are the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones by removing or breaking them with shock waves or laser, removal of cysts on the kidneys, excision of benign and cancerous tumors, opening the blockage in the ureter, kidney transplantation.
• Surgery And cystoscopy: in order to examine the lining of the bladder and urethra and treat its problems.
• Prostate Surgery: to diagnose and treat prostate diseases, such as: prostate biopsy and Monopolar and Bipolar transurethral resection of prostate, Laser Encleation of Prostate, Rezūm.
• Testicular Surgery: including the treatment of undescended testicle, varicocele, and testicular torsion.
• Excision of tumors.
• Reconstruction Of the genitals and pelvis: in case of birth defects, injuries or health problems affecting these organs.
• Vasectomy: for permanent male birth control, or reverse vasectomy.
• Penile Surgeries: as in some cases of penile curvature and erectile dysfunction.
• Adrenal Gland surgeries.

Surgical Methods in the Department of urology

The Department of urology uses a wide range of surgical methods, starting from laparoscopic surgery, passing through traditional surgery, and ending with robot-assisted surgery, and the following information about them:

• Endoscopic Surgery: it is a minimally invasive surgery performed by inserting a thin and flexible tube equipped with a video camera and surgical instruments attached to its ends, through natural body cavities such as: mouth, anus, urethra, and the camera guides the surgeon during the operation, eliminating the need to make large incisions.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: the same principle as Endoscopic surgery but the laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen.
• Open Surgery: this is a traditional surgery where a long incision is made to reach the area that requires treatment. 
• Robot-Assisted Surgery: itis a minimally invasive surgical operation during which the surgeon controls surgical instruments and a video-cameraconnected to mechanical arms while sitting in front of a computer console in the operating room

When to visit urology clinics?

You can make an appointment with urologist if you have a condition or symptoms related to a condition of the female or male urinary system, or the male reproductive system, including:

• Trouble urinating, including starting or having a strong flow of urine, pain, cloudy urine, or having blood in the urine.
• Changes in urination, such as: frequent urination or the urgent need to always urinate.
• Urinary incontinence, especially during the night or when sneezing, laughing or exercising.
• Trouble starting or maintaining an erection.
• Infertility and fertility problems.
• Pelvic pain.
• Feeling of heaviness in the vaginal area