Urologia

Urologia, known in English as urology, is a medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in both sexes and on the male reproductive system. Urologists manage kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and, in males, the prostate, testes, seminal vesicles and penis. The field combines medical therapy, endoscopic procedures, and open or minimally invasive surgery. Common issues include urinary tract infections, kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), incontinence, overactive bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and cancers of the kidney, bladder, or prostate. Male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and congenital anomalies are also within its purview. In children, urology covers congenital abnormalities and other pediatric urological problems.

Diagnosis relies on history, physical examination, urinalysis and cultures, blood tests, and imaging (ultrasound, CT urography, MRI). Endoscopic techniques such as cystoscopy enable direct visualization. Urodynamic studies assess bladder function. Tissue diagnosis may be obtained via biopsy in suspected cancers.

Treatments range from antibiotics and medications that relax or constrict urinary tract muscles to surgical interventions. Procedures include cystoscopy with lithotripsy or laser therapy for stones, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), nephrectomy, reconstructive surgeries for ureteral or bladder problems, and minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery. Kidney transplantation is performed by urologists as part of the transplant team.

Urology training typically requires completing a medical degree followed by a urology residency, which in many countries lasts 5 to 6 years. Subspecialties include endourology, uro-oncology, pediatric urology, female urology, reconstructive urology, and transplant urology. The field emphasizes multidisciplinary care, patient education, and ongoing research into therapies and techniques.