Urology (from Greek οὖρον - oûron, "urine" and -λογία, -logia "study of") is the medical and surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with urological disorders. The organs covered by urol
ogy include the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (te**es, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and p***s). Subdisciplines
As a discipline that involves the study of many organs and physiological systems, urology can be broken down into subdisciplines. Endourology
Endourology is the branch of urology that deals with the closed manipulation of the urinary tract. Endourology is performed using small cameras and instruments inserted into the urinary tract. Transurethral surgery has been the cornerstone of endourology. Most of the urinary tract can be reached via the urethra, enabling prostate surgery, surgery of tumors of the urothelium, stone surgery, and simple urethral and ureteral procedures. Recently, the addition of laparoscopy and robotics has further subdivided this branch of urology. Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a rapidly evolving branch of urology and has replaced some open surgical procedures. Urologic oncology
Urologic oncology concerns the surgical treatment of malignant genitourinary diseases such as cancer of the prostate, adrenal glands, bladder, kidneys, ureters, testicles, and p***s. The treatment of genitourinary cancer is managed by either a urologist or an oncologist, depending on the treatment type (surgical or medical). Neurourology
Neurourology concerns nervous system control of the genitourinary system, and of conditions causing abnormal urination. Urodynamic studies play an important diagnostic role in neurourology. Therapy for nervous system disorders includes clean intermittent self-catheterization of the bladder, and anticholinergic drugs. Less marked neurological abnormalities can cause urological. Pediatric urology
Pediatric urology concerns urologic disorders in children. Such disorders include cryptorchism (undescended te**es), congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract, enuresis, underdeveloped genitalia (due to delayed growth or delayed puberty, often an endocrinological problem), and vesicoureteral reflux. 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 pe**le prostheses. Vasectomies may also be included here, although most urologists perform this procedure. Reconstructive urology
Reconstructive urology is a highly specialized field of urology that restores function to any of various structures of the genitourinary tract. Prostate procedures, full or partial hysterectomies, trauma (auto accidents, gunshot wounds, industrial accidents, straddle injuries, etc.), disease, obstructions, blockages (e.g., urethral strictures), and occasionally, childbirth, can necessitate require reconstructive surgery. The urinary bladder, ureters (the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the urinary bladder) and genitalia are other examples of reconstructive urology. Urogynecology
Urogynecology is a branch dealing with overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary incontinence. Thorough knowledge of the female pelvic floor together with urodynamic skills are necessary to diagnose and treat these disorders. Depending on the cause of the individual problem, a medical or surgical treatment can be the solution.
