Urology in Bangalore

Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the female and male urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). This branch of medicine also deals with male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis).

Urology has a number of sub-disciplines, including:

• Endourology – this sub-discipline of urology deals with the closed manipulation of the urinary tract. It includes all minimally invasive urologic surgical procedures, such as prostate surgery and stone removal surgery.
• Urologic oncology – this focuses on the treatment of malignant genitourinary diseases, such as cancer of the bladder, prostate, kidney, ureters, adrenal glands, testicles, or penis.
• Neurourology – this deals with the treatment of conditions involving the nervous control of the genitourinary system or abnormal urination.
• Pediatric urology – this focuses on urologic disorders in children, such as congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract, cryptorchidism (undescended testes), underdeveloped genitalia, enuresis, and vesicoureteral reflux.
• Andrology – this deals with disorders of the male reproductive system, such as ejaculatory disorders, erectile dysfunction, vasectomy reversal, and infertility.
• Reconstructive urology – this is a highly specialized field of male urology that deals with the reconstruction of both the structure and function of the genitourinary tract.
• Female urology – this deals with conditions of a woman’s reproductive and urinary tract, such as pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence.

Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists. Urologists can diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary tract in both women and men, as well as diagnosing and treating any problems in men’s reproductive tract. In some cases, urologists may also perform surgery. In the case of certain conditions, urologists may need to work in conjunction with medical professionals who specializes in other fields, such as oncologist, radiotherapists, nephrologist, and gynecologist.

Urologists can treat the following conditions:

In men:

• Prostate gland enlargement
• Cancers of the penis, bladder, testicles, kidneys, and adrenal and prostate glands
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney diseases
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome
• Prostatitis
• Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In women:

• Cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands
• Bladder prolapse, or a condition in which the bladder drops into the vagina
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• UTIs

In children:

• Blockages and other problems with the urinary tract structure
• Bed-wetting
• Undescended testicles

What does Urology Involve?

During your first appointment, your urologist may ask you questions about your health history, any medicines you take, and your current symptoms. Your urologist may do a physical exam that includes a rectal and genital exam. They may also do some tests, such as:

• Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasound to help them locate the problem.
• A urine test to check for bacteria or other signs of disease.
• A cystoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera on its end) to see inside the urinary tract and take a sample of tissue for testing.
• A biopsy to check for cancer and other disorders.
• Urodynamic testing to check how fast the urine leaves your body, how much pressure there is in your bladder, and how much urine remains in your bladder after urinating.

After your urologist makes a diagnosis, the treatment will depend on your specific condition. It may include the use of medications and surgery.

Types of medication include:

• Hormone treatment for prostate cancer
• Antibiotics for infections
• Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
• Chemotherapy drugs for cancer
• Drugs that act on the smooth muscle of the bladder to help reduce urinary incontinence.

Some of the most common types of surgery include:

• A cystectomy, which is a procedure to remove the bladder. This procedure is used to treat cancer.
• A kidney transplant, which involves replacing a damaged or diseased kidney with a healthy one.
• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, which is used to break up kidney stones so they can be removed more easily.
• A repair of damage to the urinary tract due to injury.
• A procedure to open a blockage.
• A repair of urinary organs that are not well-formed.
• A prostatectomy, which is used to remove all or part of the prostate gland. This procedure is performed to treat prostate cancer.
• Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, which removes excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate, which involves the removal of excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• A sling procedure, which uses strips of mesh in order to support the urethra and keep it closed. This procedure can treat urinary incontinence.
• A ureteroscopy, which involves the removal of stones in the kidneys and ureter using a scope.
• A vasectomy, which is a procedure to cut and tie the vas deferens, or the tubes that carry sperm. This is done to prevent pregnancy.
• A nephrectomy, which involves removing a kidney to treat cancer.

The surgery can be performed in one of two ways: open through a large incision, laparoscopically through several tiny incisions. Both methods are usually performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthetic may be used instead.

How Long Should I Stay in Bangalore?

Depending on the procedure you will have, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or you will have to stay for up to 5 days. In general, it is highly advisable that you stay in Bangalore for several days following your procedure for initial recovery and to attend scheduled follow-up checkups. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the country for at least 10 to 14 days.

What's the Recovery Time?

The recovery time varies, depending on the procedure you have, the reason why you need the procedure, and your overall health. For surgical procedures, it may take about one to six weeks until you can go back to your full activity. For non-surgical procedures, you may be allowed to go back to your normal routine within several days. Your urologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline, which includes the time you can go back to work, normal activity, and strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting.

What About Aftercare?

Your urologist will give you a set of instructions for your aftercare. The instruction may include a diet plan, exercise, restrictions, and medication to take, and wound care. It is important that you follow every instruction closely. After surgery, you will be encouraged to do some light exercise, such as walking, to help your healing process. You may also need to eat easily digestible food until you are recovered.

Depending on your specific condition, you may need to attend regular checkups following your treatment. For instance, if you had cancer treatment, your doctor will suggest you attend a checkup once or twice a year to ensure that cancer has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of urology is at the forefront of research and innovation. Due to its constant advancement, the procedures are becoming more effective and safer. Each urological treatment is also known to offer high success rates. However, any procedure comes with risks, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. Therefore, it is important that you choose a skilled and experienced urologist.

Are there Alternatives to Urology?

If you have any injury or disease in your urinary tract and/or reproductive organ (for men), there is no other alternative besides visiting a urology department. However, if your disease is found to be caused by other problems, the doctor will refer you to a relevant doctor.

Urology in and around Bangalore

About Bangalore

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is a megacity and the third-most populous city in India. It is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and cosmopolitan city, which is reflected by its huge number of places of worship for different religions. It is also one of the most developed cities in India, with its modern metro system, lovely parks, and a burgeoning shopping scene. In recent years, the city has become one of the most preferred medical tourism destinations in India. Its popularity is driven by its high-quality and modern medical centers, highly skilled doctors, exemplary services, and pocket-friendly medical treatment packages. Most medical tourists who come to this city are seeking bariatric surgeries, cardiac surgeries, cosmetic surgeries, and dental treatments. 

Popular Parts of Bangalore

Despite Bangalore’s rapid development, the city still retains its charm. Visitors can admire its Victorian-era architecture, visit its temples, explore its colorful markets, or relax in its peaceful gardens. Those who wish to get a glimpse into the city’s past should visit the opulent Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace which was completed in 1791; this palace gives visitors an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Not too far from the palace is the ruins of Bangalore Fort, which was built in 1537. Although not much of the fort remains today, it is still one of the ancient heritages of the city. Since Bangalore is a city of multi-religions, any visit to the city will not be complete without seeing one of its places of worship. Therefore, make sure to head to the Bull Temple, a breathtaking 16th-century construction that captures the hearts of many visitors. 

Transport in Bangalore

The main gateway to Bangalore is Kempegowda International Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers north of the city. It handles both domestic and international flights to numerous cities in Asia and Europe. It is relatively easy to navigate around the city as you can use the new Bangalore Metro train, Uber, and Ola Cabs. 

Visas in Bangalore

Unless you are a citizen of Bhutan, Nepal, or Maldives, you will need to apply and obtain a visa to visit Bangalore. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. e-Visa is provided for 150 nationalities and is valid for 60 days.

Weather in Bangalore

There are three seasons in Bangalore. From March to May is summer, which has a moderate type of climate with an average temperature of around 20°C to 35°C. The monsoon season, from June to September, witnesses a drop in temperature, but a rise in humidity levels, this season experiences the highest rainfall, especially from August to September. Winter has pleasant and soothing weather as the temperatures drop to an average of 16°C to 27°C and it is one of the best times to visit.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  The Indian rupee (INR) is the official currency. 1 USD converts to approx. 73 INR.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widely available around the city. Credit and debit cards are accepted but always carry some cash. Tipping is not expected.
3. Local Language: Kannada is the official language, but other languages such as Hindi and Tamil are also spoken. Many people understand and speak English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Hinduism is the largest religion in Bangalore, followed by Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
5. Public Holidays: Bangalore celebrates numerous public holidays, including Sankranti, Republic Day, Maha Shivratri, Khutub-E-Ramzan, Independence Day, Eid Milad, Kannada Rajyothsava, and Mahatma Gandhi Birthday.