Urology in India

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 India?

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 India 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 India

About India

As the largest country in South Asia and the seventh-largest in the world, India is home to over one billion inhabitants. This extremely diverse country boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and with its 38 JCI accredited facilities, it’s considered a prime destination for Medical Tourism. India welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Urology procedures. Its low-cost medical procedures draw tourists from all over the world, particularly Western and Middle Eastern countries. Highly specialized doctors speak English and the vast majority are trained in the UK or the US, with heart surgery procedures being especially common in India. Local accreditation bodies include the Indian Healthcare Federation, the Indian Medical Tourism Council, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Popular Parts of India

Home to around 1.3 billion people, India is the second-most populous country in the world, with its multi-ethnic society, spiritual beliefs, architecture, and diverse wildlife.

• Delhi is brimming with colorful modern life and is steeped in history. It is known to have the best food in the world such as Mughalai curries and chaat (vegetarian street food). Visit the Red Fort and witness the fascinating structure influenced by Islamic, Hindu, Persian, and Timurid traditions.
• Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India. Home to Bollywood, India’s film industry, the city has a lot to offer. Stroll around the Gateway of India, shop in Colaba Causeway, watch the sunset in Marine drive, or visit Siddhivinayak Temple and learn about its cultural history.
• Kolkata (Calcutta) was once the capital city of India. It is a perfect blend of the past and the present. The city has charming colonial-era architecture, dynamic suburbs, and the amazing Bengali cuisine. Tourists can discover the creativity of Kurmatuli Idol-makers and visit the incredible Victoria Memorial.
• Jaipur is known as “The Pink City,” it is chaotic, vibrant, and historical.  The city, along with Delhi and Agra, is a part of the Golden Triangle that contains the biggest attractions in India. There are many beautiful buildings inside this city, but the most visited one is the Amer/Amber Fort that dates back to Raja Man Singh. It is a World Heritage Site and it offers amazing views of the city.
• Agra is where the magical Taj Mahal stands. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is as astounding as people describe it to be. Mehtab Bagh is another must-visit attraction; it offers the most scenic spot in the city and located just across the river from the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, located northwest of the Taj, is one of India’s most historic structures.

Weather and Climate in India

There are four climatological seasons in India.

• Summer or pre-monsoon season starts in March and ends in May. April or May is the hottest month. The average temperature is around 23 to 42 °C.  
• Monsoon or rainy season lasts for three months from June to September. The season is usually humid and rainy. South India usually receives more rainfall.
• The post-monsoon or autumn season starts from October to November. The sky is usually cloudless.
• Winter occurs from December to February. December and January are the coldest months in the country with an average temperature of 10 to 15 °C and climb steadily from February. This is the peak season for tourism.

The best time to visit India is in the month of March or October when the weather is warm and sunny.

Getting Around in India

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in the country and is located in Delhi. The airport serves domestic and international flights. It connects the city with almost every country around the world and serves budget airlines such as Air Asia India, Go Air, and IndiGo. There are three other main international airports in Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

The most affordable way to travel around the city is by bus although it can be very crowded. Buses are very reliable and fast. Airport taxis are available as a quick, easy, and hassle-free transportation mode especially for tourists who carry big baggage.

The best way to get around India is by train. Trains are everywhere and quite affordable with many different classes. The most popular class for travel is the Sleeper Class. It is best to purchase train tickets online.

Buses are a nice option for short-distance travel. Some of the buses can be very uncomfortable but there are luxury buses with air conditioning. Tourists can purchase tickets online, in the station, or even on the buses.

Taxis are relatively affordable, but tourists have to bargain. Tourists can ask the taxi driver to use the meter but the drivers will usually say it’s broken. It is advised to ask your hotel or hostel how much a taxi should cost before getting in one to avoid getting ripped off by taxi drivers. Rickshaws (Tuck-Tuks) are cheaper than taxis, but you also have to bargain. Hiring a car is not recommended due to the lack of respect for traffic laws and the chaos on the roads. Uber is available.

Tourist Visas in India

All visitors need to obtain and apply for a visa to enter India, except the citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Visa on Arrival is available for citizens of Japan and South Korea. The country provides an online visa application. e-Visa is available for 150 nationalities and valid for  60 days. It is a double-entry visa. There is also a six-month tourist visa for longer trips.

Passport must be valid for at least 180 days after your entry to India and should have at least two blank pages.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency is the Indian rupee (INR). 1 USD is equivalent to 70 INR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available. Currencies such as US dollars, euros, and pounds sterling are easy to change throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some shops, restaurants, and hotels. Always carry cash because many places still accept cash only. Service fees are sometimes added to the bills automatically in restaurants if it’ 10% tip is reasonable. Taxis and rickshaws do not expect a tip but it is good to tip drivers who are honest.
3. Local Language: There are many languages spoken in India including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, and Punjabi. English is understood by many people especially those in the tourism area and major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: India is very diverse and multicultural. Hinduism is the largest religion with 79.8% of the population practicing the religion. Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and other religions are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: India celebrates several major religious holidays. The country has numerous annual festivals such as Holi, Ganesh Festival, Diwali, and Onam.