Urologe

Urologe, or urologist in English, is a physician who specializes in disorders of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Urologists diagnose, treat, and manage conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and, in men, the prostate, testes, and penis. They care for patients of all ages and work in hospitals, university clinics, and private practice. The field combines medical and surgical treatment.

Training and scope: Becoming a urologist requires a medical degree followed by specialty training in urology. Certification processes vary by country but commonly involve board exams. Subspecialties include endourology, uro-oncology, reconstructive urology, pediatric urology, and female urology.

Common conditions: Urologists treat kidney stones, urinary incontinence, urinary infections, hematuria, prostate diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer, bladder disorders, erectile dysfunction, and male infertility. They also manage congenital abnormalities and cancers of the kidney, bladder, and prostate, as well as pediatric urinary problems. Diagnostics include patient history and physical examination, urinalysis, blood tests, ultrasound, CT or MRI, cystoscopy, and urodynamics.

Treatment approaches: Management ranges from lifestyle advice and medications to minimally invasive procedures and surgery. Procedures include endoscopic stone removal, TURP, laser therapies for prostate conditions, repair of urinary tract abnormalities, nephrectomy, cystectomy in selected cases, reconstruction, and penile implants. Robotic-assisted and laparoscopic techniques are common in many centers.

Organization and care: Urologists collaborate with primary care providers, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. Patients are referred for persistent urinary symptoms, blood in urine, recurrent infections, severe kidney stones, or male sexual health concerns. In many health systems, urologists participate in research and education at academic centers.