Urology in Selangor

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 Selangor?

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 Selangor 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 Selangor

About Selangor

Occupying the status of both the most populous and developed state, Selangor is indeed the pride of Malaysia. Its advanced infrastructure and superior living standards, coupled with the country's lowest instance of poverty, make it stand out. Perfectly positioned on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it envelops Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, both of which were formerly a part of Selangor. Despite its impressive development marked by towering structures,

Selangor manages to retain its natural charm boasting splendid landscapes and tranquil retreats. The state's deep-rooted cultural essence and unmatched healthcare services further enhance its appeal.

Selangor is the medical tourists’ favorite destination because of its geographical position and low cost of living. The state has some of the best medical experts with 12 government hospitals and over 30 private hospitals and medical centers, many of which are recognized internationally and accredited by Joined Commission International and the Malaysia Society for Quality in Health (MSQH).

Selangor has become a preferred destination for medical tourists who seek procedures such as dental surgeries, cosmetic surgeries, IVF treatments, and eye surgeries. Among the numerous hospitals offering these procedures, KPJ Ampang Puteri and Sunfert International Fertility Centre have gained immense popularity due to their high standards and patient-centric approach. This underlines Selangor's standing as a leading destination for healthcare in the region.

Popular Areas in Selangor

Tourists who want to indulge in Selangor’s beautiful nature can go to Kuala Selangor Beach (Mirror of the Sky), Chilling Waterfalls, Kuala Selangor Nature Park, or the National Zoo of Malaysia. Those who want to experience culture can visit Galeri Diraja Sultan Abdul Aziz, Mah Meri Cultural Village, and Sultan Alam Shah Muzeum.

Among Selangor's numerous tourist magnets, Batu Caves stands out. This impressive limestone hill is home to three large caves and multiple smaller ones. Revered as a national treasure of Malaysia, Batu Caves hold immense religious significance for the Hindu community.

Visitors are always in awe of the world's tallest statue of the Hindu deity, Murugan, situated here. In addition to the religious and natural appeal, the site also offers sights of varied cave fauna and thrilling climbing routes, delivering an all-round enriching experience.

The state’s capital, Shah Alam, also has plenty to offer. Tourists can go to I-City to see millions of LED lights, indoor park, or to shop. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque) is also a popular destination where tourists can see the beautiful mix of Islamic and Malay architecture.

Weather and Climate in Selangor

Adorned with a tropical rainforest climate, Selangor is characterized by a warm and humid environment all year round. Daytime temperatures generally fluctuate between 25 - 35°C, but during the dry season, these can peak at a scorching 37°C.

The wet season ushers into the region as the calendar transitions into April, often extending as far as October, leaving the land generously watered. An increased intensity of rains is observed towards September and October, marking the peak of the rainy spell. For prospective visitors seeking to avoid the wet season, the months from late November to February typically prove the most comfortable for exploring and sightseeing, blessed with less rainfall and mild temperatures.

However, it should be remembered that even amidst the monsoon season, the weather isn't uniformly gloomy; there are often luminous intermissions. The sun tends to break through the rain-soaked clouds, bathing the land in its warm rays. Consequently, even during the monsoons, numerous days are well-lit, and visitors have ample opportunities to explore the local beauty undeterred. Brazil, in every season, has its unique appeal. Whether it's soaked in rain or draped in warm sunshine, it never fails to mesmerize its guests.

Getting Around in Selangor

There are two main airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Subang Airport. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main airport in Malaysia that has a multitude of routes across the globe. The airport is divided into two parts, KLIA that mostly serves large airlines, and KLIA 2 that focuses on serving low-cost carries. Subang Airport is the hub for FireFly and Malindo Air.

Navigating Selangor is made effortless by its well-established infrastructure. The primary means of transportation include taxis, trains, and buses. Taxis, while economical, can prove to be slightly tricky, as some drivers refrain from using the fare meter. Visitors are therefore advised to approach taxi counters to secure a fixed-rate coupon, ensuring they aren't subjected to inflated prices.

Public transit systems like the KTM Komuter Train, MRT, and LRT are widely recognized as the most efficient modes of transportation for traversing Selangor. However, it's important to note that these service networks may not extend to certain rural areas. When visiting these less accessible regions, tourists may find it beneficial to hire a car, thereby gaining the advantage of flexibility. Alternatively, the option of using bus services provides a more economical solution for easy mobility.

Tourist Visas in Selangor

Nationals hailing from countries like China, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro are required to secure a visa prior to their arrival in Malaysia. Meanwhile, most other nationalities are offered the convenience of visa-free entry, valid for either a 30-day or 90-day stay. It is crucial for all visitors, regardless of their country of origin, to hold a passport that remains valid for at least six months subsequent to their entry into Malaysia.

An online visa application platform or eVisa is available for selected foreign nationals. eVisa can be applied around the world except for Malaysia and Singapore. Tourists who wish to visit Malaysia for medical treatment can apply for an eVisa Medical, valid for a single journey with a maximum of 30 days. The Malaysian Government has a very strict visa regulation, overstaying will result in RM10.000 fine and/or 5 year’s imprisonment, do ensure to extend your tourist visa if you need to.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Malaysian Ringgit is the local currency with 1USD equivalent to RM4.72. The currency is printed in various colors and sizes, making it easier and less confusing for travelers to work with the currency to avoid giving the wrong bills when shopping. The Malaysian Ringgit is formerly known as ‘Malaysian Dollar,’ older Malaysians sometimes refer to it as ‘Dollars,’ you can ask which dollar they mean if you are unsure.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in the state. Credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted in most hotels and established restaurants. Tipping is not a common culture and many restaurants already add a service charge onto the bills, but tourists may tip.
3. Local Language: The national language is Malay, but English is in extensive use since many locals can speak English. Tamil, Mandarin, and Cantonese are also widely spoken.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Many people from different ethnicity coexist in Selangor. Malay, Chinese, and Indians are among the biggest ones. The official religion is Islam, as in other parts of Malaysia; with 57.9% percent of the population is Muslim, followed by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Taoism.
5. Public Holiday: The rich racial diversity in Selangor is greatly celebrated all year round, especially on the holy days of every religion such as Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, and Deepavali. Selangor also hosts the three-day Thaipusam festival around January or early February, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims meet at Batu Caves.