Urology in Warsaw

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 Warsaw?

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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw

About Warsaw

As the capital and largest city of Poland, Warsaw continues to charm its visitors with diverse architecture, cultural treasures, stunning outdoor spaces, and superb dining spots. With Poland’s recent emerging popularity in medical tourism, the city has seen an influx of foreign patients coming for its world-class healthcare. The city’s very high standard of living and universal healthcare system are seen as an attractive choice for international medical tourists, particularly those from the surrounding countries. Both the public and private medical centers in this city are equipped with the latest medical technology and are offering a wide range of medical procedures at significantly lower prices than other countries in Europe. The most sought-after procedures in the city are cosmetic surgery, orthopedic, bariatric, and dental treatments. 

Popular Parts of Warsaw

Warsaw offers a beautiful blend of old and new. Visitors are welcomed with restored Gothic buildings and modern glass structures standing side by side. One of the most popular attractions is the Palace of Culture & Science, which is a ‘gift of friendship’ from the Soviet Union and is the second tallest building in Poland. As a vast recreation and educational facility, this building is filled with theatres, cinemas, and museums. Most people also come to wander around the streets of the city’s Old Town, the oldest part of the city, to see medieval architecture and visit the Old Town Market Place. Warsaw is also known as the former home of Frédéric François Chopin and visitors are welcome to retrace his steps by strolling around Saxon Garden.

Transport in Warsaw

The main airport is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport and it is the largest and busiest airport in Poland that connects with many cities around the world. To get around Warsaw, local buses are available and they’re reasonably priced. Taxis are the most convenient way to get around and are relatively cheap. However, ensure to avoid unlicensed taxi drivers as they will charge more. The safest way to get a taxi is by asking your hotel staff for the number of the taxi company they use. Cycling is also a good way to explore the city.

Visas in Warsaw

Since Poland is a part of the Schengen area, citizens of several countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can stay in Warsaw without a visa for up to 90 days. EU citizens do not need a visa and are allowed to stay indefinitely. Citizens of other countries are required to obtain a visa in advance. A passport valid for at least 6 months is required.

Weather in Warsaw

Summer (June – August) has unpredictable weather with warm temperatures, sometimes reaching 30°C. Autumn (September – November) brings cooler temperatures and more pleasant weather. Winter (December – early March) can be freezing, with the temperatures dropping to -20°C on the coldest days. Spring (late March-May) is characterized by warmer temperatures and less rain.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN) is the official currency and 1 USD converts to approx. 3.8 PLN.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in Warsaw. Credit cards can be used in most restaurants and hotels. Tipping is optional.
3. Local Language: Polish is the official language. Most people in tourist areas can speak decent English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Warsaw is a multi-cultural city. Christianity is the largest religion, but other religions are also present in the city.
5. Public Holidays: Warsaw celebrates major Christian holidays, such as Christmas Day and Easter. There are also some national holidays celebrated in the city, including Constitution Day and Independence Day.