Urology in Colombia

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 Colombia?

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 Colombia 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 Colombia

Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country in northwestern South America. Since emerging from four decades of civil war, Colombia today has become a safe and rewarding place to visit. This country is blessed with breathtaking beauty, from Caribbean beaches and high Andean peaks to lush Amazon jungle and diverse wildlife, not to mention its gorgeous colonial cities, mysterious archeological sites, and magical culture. In recent years, the popularity of Colombia’s high-quality, internationally recognized medical centers has turned the country into an international medical tourism destination. The country is particularly popular for those who want to undergo top-quality, but affordable cosmetic surgery, such as liposuction and breast augmentation. 

Popular Parts of Colombia

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a city of contrasts. Colonial churches stand side by side with modern high-rise buildings, and the culture is a mixture of Spanish, English, and Indian influences. Here, visitors can see the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), tour Casa de Nariño (the president’s house), visit the Botero Museum, or check out a beautiful view of the city from Monserrate Church. Besides Bogotá, Cartagena is also a popular destination. It is a wonderfully preserved colonial town next to the Caribbean. It is famous for many things, such as its Old Walled City, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Playa Blanca, Getsemani, and Plaza de Trinidad.

Weather and Climate in Colombia

Due to its proximity to the Equator, Colombia experiences a tropical climate. The average temperatures in the country remain the same all year round, ranging from 17°C to 24°C. There are generally two seasons in the country: the dry season and the wet (rainy) season. The dry season runs from December to January and July to August. The weather during this season is pleasant, with lots of sunny days. However, it can be dusty and windy. The rainy season spans from April to May and October to November. Rain usually comes in the afternoon or at night, while the morning is sunny.

Getting around in Colombia

El Dorado international airport is the main airport in Colombia. It connects Bogota with 42 domestic and 46 international destinations, serving 26 different countries across the globe, including France, Mexico, Canada, the US, the UAE, Japan, and the Netherlands. The fastest and most convenient way to get around is by plane, especially when traveling long distances. All major cities are connected by frequent bus services. Long-distance services usually use large, comfortable buses, while shorter distances are covered with vans, sometimes even sedans. To get around in most of the Pacific coast and the Amazon, boats are the only option, though they can be expensive. Inside cities, taxis are widely available and city buses are reliable. Several cities also have cable-car lines and metro train services.

Tourist Visas in Colombia

Nationals of 99 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada, do not need a visa to visit and stay in Colombia for up to 90 days unless noted otherwise. Citizens of other countries are required to obtain a visa before their visit. The visa is valid for up to 90 days. Colombia has a special temporary visa for medical treatment, which may be granted to a foreigner who needs to undergo medical treatment in Colombia for more than 90 days.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). 1 USD is equivalent to 3,838 COP. US dollars are sometimes accepted, but be aware that the prices may go up if you use US dollars.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available throughout the main city. Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are accepted. There is no tipping culture in Colombia, but many people tip around 10% of the bill.
3. Local Language: Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Colombia. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The biggest religion is Roman Catholicism. However, the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. 
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Saint Joseph’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart, Colombia Independence Day, and Christmas Day are some of the most celebrated public holidays in Colombia.