Urology

Urology is the specialty of medicine concerned with the study of the genito-urinary system along with the treatment of its associated problems and diseases. The organs covered by urology include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and penis)

Introduction

Established in 1990, Kidney Hospital & Lifeline Medical Institutions is today a 126-bedded hospital. It has two Intensive Care Units of which one unit is dedicated for transplant cases. Specially trained staff mans these units. It has a State & Central Government approved blood bank within the hospital campus. It also has an in-house Imaging Department and a well-equipped Laboratory.

State of the art equipment

Today complete stone therapy is possible as there is sophisticated medical equipment available for the same. Known as the Dornier Lithotripter, this machine uses a proven electro-magnetic technology from Germany. This machine helps in precisely locating any type of stone. With the help of mechanical shockwaves the machine crushes the stones into powder, which passes out with urine painlessly. CBD stone therapy (where indicated) is also possible with this machine.

Urolithiasis (Urinary Stones)

It is one of the commonest problems affecting urology patients in North India. The management of urinary stone disease has undergone a sea change from the older pattern of open surgery to the now commonly used non-invasive or minimally invasive surgery. The hospital has all different modalities for optimal management of different urinary stones like:

• Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
• Lithotripsy (ESWL)
• Ureteroscopy (URS)
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Open Surgery

Lithotripsy

Introduced during 1993 for non-invasive management of different urinary stones the hospital acquired the world's best Dornier Lithotripter in 1998. At an average of 20 to 25 cases per month the hospital has conducted over 4000 procedures till date.

Ureteroscopy

This endoscopic procedure has revolutionized the management of ureteric stones. The hospital has the complete range of ureteroscopes (various sizes, both rigid and flexible) and Holmium Laser backed by pneumatic and ultrasonic energy sources. This optimizes the efficiency of the unit. Around 10 to 15 ureteric procedures are performed every month. Almost all ureteric stones can be managed by URS. Additionally, ureteroscopy is also a very useful diagnostic modality.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

PCNL is a highly specialized endoscopic procedure for the removal of large kidney stones. On an average about 25 PCNL procedures are performed every month. Due to further up-gradation of the department, currently even complicated stag-horn stones are being managed by PCNL. The hospital is equipped with all the three sources of energy viz. pneumatic, mechanical and ultrasonic for breakage of stones during PCNL. The advantages of this procedure are:

• Minimally invasive
• Short hospitalization
• Minimal morbidity
• No incision
• Minimal convalescence

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery was introduced at the hospital during Dec 1992. The hospital has the complete facility for Laparoscopic surgery like Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Vericocelectomy, Appendicectomy, Nephrectomy, Nephropaxy, Ureterolithotomy etc. Laparoscopic method is also being effectively applied in the management of various post-transplant complications like Lymphocele.

OTHER FACILITIES

Interventional Radiology : It has brought about a remarkable change in the management of various urological diseases. The hospital provides well-developed interventional radiology services. Procedures like PCN, ureteral stenting, uretheral stenting etc. are done routinely. It is also used in the management of post transplant complications like urinary leak, ureteral stricture, lymphocele etc.

Paediatric Urology : It is an important subspeciality of urology. Only a few centres have the facility to look after paediatric urology patients. The hospital has a full set of paediatric endoscopes. Common urological problems like post-urethral valves, vesico-uretric reflux & pelvi-uretric obstruction are managed routinely. The operation theatre is well equipped to look after this age group.

Andrology : A separate clinic is run by the hospital for management of patients suffering from infertility and erectile dysfunction. The hospital has acquired Rigiscan and Cavernosometry equipment, which are very important diagnostic tools. Management of these patients includes hormonal therapy, psychiatric counseling, intracavernous pharmacotherapy and various surgical procedures.

Urodynamics : The hospital has upgraded the services of Neuro-Urology & Urodynamics. The facility of advanced computerized Urodynamic evaluation including Video-Urodynamic is available. This hospital is one of the few centres in India having advanced Urodynamics.

Laser surgery : The hospital is equipped with Trimedyne Optilase 100 watts Nd YAG, which is being used for the following applications:-

Urological applications :

• Prostatic surgery
• Carcinoma prostate
• Bladder tumour
• Stricture urethra

Other applications :

• General surgery
• Gastro surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery

Laboratory Facility

The hospital has a well-equipped biochemical, heamatological, microbiological and renal laboratory, which is run by an experienced pathologist and a microbiologist. Emergency investigations are carried out round the clock while specialized investigations are done during working hours. Highly specialized investigations are carried out in association with reference laboratories.

Prostate Management

Prostatic disorders including BHP and carcinoma prostate are the commonest problems effecting elderly patients visiting the urology clinic at the hospital. Carcinoma prostate can be cured if detected early through the latest investigations available today. The hospital has the complete range of investigative and therapeutic management equipment to deal with these patients. Current investigation modalities include Transrectal Ultrasonography (TRUS), Serum PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen), USG guided FNAC & Sextant biopsies. The treatment modalities available are TURP (Transuretheral Resection of Prostate), TUIP (Transuretheral Incision of Prostate), TUEP (Transuretheral Evaporation), Laser Prostaectomy, Transuretheral Thermotherapy & Open Surgery. The hospital is also running a cancer prostate-screening programme for early detection so that curative treatment can be offered to these patients. The hospital has comprehensive infra structure for prostate diseases.

Facility is available for :-

• Transrectal Ultrasonography
• PSA estimation
• TUR Prostate
• TUV Prostate
• TUI Prostate
• Laser Prostatectomy
• FNAC Prostate
• Cancer screening programme
• Transurethral Thermotherapy

Andrology

Andrology focuses on the male reproductive system. It is mainly concerned with male infertility, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders. Since male sexuality is largely controlled by hormones, Andrology overlaps with endocrinology. Surgery in this field includes fertilization procedures, vasectomy reversals, and the implantation of penile prostheses.

A separate clinic is run by the hospital for management of patients suffering from infertility and erectile dysfunction. The hospital has acquired Rigiscan and Cavernosometry equipment, which are very important diagnostic tools. Management of these patients includes hormonal therapy, psychiatric counseling, intracavernous pharmacotherapy and various surgical procedures.