Urology

Urology is the field of medicine involved with the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the male and female urinary tract and in the male reproductive system. A doctor who specialises in this area is a Consultant Urologist.

At The Highfield Hospital in Lancashire, our experienced urologists help treat many conditions and symptoms in both men and women and would be delighted to help you too.

Your urinary tract consists of the bladder, kidneys, ureter (the tubes connecting your kidneys to your bladder) and urethra, as well as the prostate (in men).

If anything stops any part of this system working properly, it has the potential to affect your health and quality of life. You will often also experience symptoms, some of which may be quite concerning.

Common reasons people come to see our urologists for help include:

• Urinary symptoms
• Difficulty urinating
• Weaker flow
• Urgency/needing to rush to the toilet
• Increased frequency
• Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty, even though you’ve just been to the toilet
• Leakage/incontinence
• Frequently getting up at night to urinate (nocturia)
• Blood in urine
• Lumps found on genitalia (scrotum, testicles and penis)
• Sexual problems – such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation
• Recurrent bladder/urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Worried about cancer (prostate, bladder, kidney, testicle)
• Blood in the urine
• Lump on the testicle
• Raised PSA (Prostate specific antigen)
• A recent scan that showed a kidney stone or mass in your kidneys or bladder

If you have any of these symptoms, it can be a sensible course of action to see a urologist for expert advice.

Many people with urological symptoms will be able to get symptom relief without the need for surgery.

Simple things like drinking less tea, coffee or alcohol may be helpful for certain symptoms.

Other conditions may be treated with medication such as tablets, antibiotics or injections. These can be used for a number of conditions such as recurrent UTIs, an enlarged prostate, certain types and stages of prostate cancer or erectile dysfunction.

If non-surgical treatments do not give you adequate symptom relief, your urologist may discuss surgery with you as an option.

This will often involve a cystoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera (cystoscope) is passed through your urethra and into the bladder. Surgical tools can be passed down the tube if needed, allowing your surgeon to carry out a range of treatments such as removal of small stones from the bladder. A tissue sample (biopsy) can also be taken for further analysis if required.

A transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT) may be done out to determine the type of bladder tumour present.

A urethrotomy can be carried out to resolve problems that are caused by a narrowing in the urethra.

Stones in the kidney or renal tract can often be treated by extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and laser treatment. Your consultant will discuss the best course of action depending on the size and location of your stone.

In men, surgery can be carried out to alter the size of the prostate in order to allow urine to flow more freely. A common operation is trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Circumcision, vasectomy and vasectomy reversal can also all be carried out.

Your urologist will ensure you receive the right treatment for your specific symptoms and needs. Why not book your urology appointment online at The Highfield Hospital now?

Your first consultation can be face to face, by telephone or video call. Your consultant will take a medical history and ask you to talk about your symptoms. They will want to know:

• What symptoms have you been experiencing?
• When did you first notice these symptoms?
• Have they been getting worse over time?
• Does anything aggravate your symptoms (e.g. activity, certain foods or drinks)?
• Have you received any treatment already, such as prescribed medication?
• Do you have any particular concerns about your symptoms (for example, are you worried you may have prostate cancer?)

Your consultant may carry out a physical examination.

There are a variety of investigations that can be helpful when assessing urinary problems. These include:

• Flow Rate test – measures speed and volume of urine passed.
• Urine test - to look for signs of infection
• Blood tests - can be helpful to look for signs of any infection or inflammation which may be causing your symptoms
• MRI, CT scans and ultrasound scans - of the prostate, bladder or kidney may also be used for certain conditions and symptoms
• Urodynamics – measures bladder pressure when emptying the bladder to look for weakness or disruption in function
• A flexible cystoscopy to visualise your bladder and water pipe (urethra)

Whenever the results of any investigations are back, your urologist will talk them through with you and use them to tailor your treatment plan.

The Highfield Hospital is located in Rochdale, Lancashire. Many people are referred to us by their GP, a consultant in another speciality or their private medical insurance provider.

We treat private medical insurance and self-pay patients, and you are able to self-refer to avoid delay.

When you visit The Highfield Hospital for help with your urological condition, you will benefit from:

• Fast access to an expert – Urinary symptoms can often be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. We can book you an appointment (face to face or virtually) with an experienced urologist quickly. With faster access to assessment, you will be able to begin the right course of treatment sooner.
• Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 99.1% of patients said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family.
• Personalised care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, tailoring each experience to our patients’ needs and whatever may be best for you. This is regularly reviewed, ensuring you get the necessary treatment at every stage of your patient journey.
• Multidisciplinary team – Your urologist has quick, easy access to on-site specialists in other fields, like oncology, radiology and gynaecology. The multidisciplinary team at the hospital ensures you will always see the most appropriate person for your condition throughout your time with us.
• Easy to book – Urology appointments can be booked online or by telephone. We can also offer remote consultations by telephone or video call for convenience.
• Location – Situated conveniently on the outskirts of Rochdale Town Centre, the hospital is easily accessible whether travelling by public or personal transport. Our 93-space car park is free for patients and visitors.

For peace of mind and expert care, please contact The Highfield Hospital to book your urology appointment online now. We very much look forward to welcoming you and helping to get you the support you need, sooner.