Urology in Da Nang

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 Da Nang?

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 Da Nang 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 Da Nang

About Da Nang

Da Nang is a port city in Vietnam that accesses the South Chinas Sea. It is known as the tourism capital of South Central Vietnam due to its serene beaches, clear blue water, ancient pagodas, lush national parks, and French colonial buildings. The city is developing at a rapid pace, with new modernist apartments, hotels, and restaurants springing up. For the past several years, the city has also seen a growing number of foreign visitors who seek both leisure and medical treatments. It is quickly becoming a medical tourism hotspot due to its modern healthcare facilities, advanced technology, devoted specialists, and competitive prices. Additionally, numerous medical centers in the city offer traditional medicine, which is seen as an attractive treatment option for many foreign tourists. 

Popular Parts of Da Nang

Ngu Hanh Son is one of the most attractive parts of Da Nang. It has numerous attractions and resorts. Here, visitors can explore both Da Nang’s traditional culture and natural beauty. From exploring the hidden beauty of the Marble Mountains, visiting the Non-Nuoc Pagoda, having fun at Asia Park, to relaxing at My Khe Beach, this part of the city is brimming with activities. Not too far from Ngu Hanh Son is Son Tra, a popular tourist hotspot where visitors can find Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain), Linh Ung Pagoda, Dong Dinh Museum, Vietnam Cultural Exchange, and Love Bridge Da Nang. Along with Ngu Hanh Son and Da Nang, visitors also flock in Hai Chau. The area is packed with amazing museums, such as the Da Nang Museum and Ho Chi Minh Museum. 

Transport in Da Nang

Da Nang International Airport is where international tourists will arrive. It serves domestic flights to many cities in Vietnam and international flights to numerous cities in Asia, such as Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, and Doha. There are some budget airlines operating from this airport, such as Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air. Da Nang has many convenient transport modes. Taxis are widely available everywhere and are metered. Those looking for a more affordable and faster option can opt for motorbike taxis. Online hailing apps, such as Grab (similar to Uber) are also available.

Visas in Da Nang

Citizens of 24 countries, including Denmark, Cambodia, and the UK, may visit and stay in Da Nang for up to 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities are required to apply for a visa prior to their arrival. Vietnam provides an electronic visa system for nationals of 81 countries.

Weather in Da Nang

Da Nang experiences two seasons. From September to December is the wet season, with rain showers almost every day. It is also the typhoon season. The dry season starts from January and lasts until August. The weather can get hot, sometimes rising to 30°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency and 1 USD converts to approx. 23,270 VND.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widespread around the city. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels but always bring cash. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated.
3. Local Language: Vietnamese is the official language. However, English is widely spoken in the city, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Vietnam’s constitution provides for freedom of worship. The largest religion in Da Nang is Vietnamese folk religion. Other religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity are also present. However, many people are not religious.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Tet Holiday, and National Day are some of the most important public holidays.