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Tag: Urological Surgery

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Urological Surgery: Exploring Common Procedures and Treatments

Urology Surgery

Urology is a field of medicine that focuses on conditions present in the urinary tract and reproductive organs and the procedures that are performed in these areas. The kidneys, ureters and urethra, the bladder and the male reproductive organs all fall under this designation. The urinary tract and reproductive system are closely connected and when something goes wrong with one, the other is often also affected. Urological surgery can be effective in treating various ailments such as bladder and prostate cancer or kidney stones, with some non-surgical methods also being able to address less serious ailments such as infections in the urinary tract.

Let’s have a look at some of the most common urological procedures:

Circumcision in Men

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin, which is a retractable fold of skin that covers the end of the penis. Circumcision is common among certain communities, such as Muslim and Jewish communities, where the procedure is usually performed on young children for religious reasons. This practice is also present in many African communities, where it is largely performed for cultural reasons. Circumcision is also effective at treating a condition known as phimosis, where the patient’s foreskin is too tight and unable to retract properly.

Cystoscopy

During a cystoscopy, a surgical scope, effectively a small camera at the end of a thin tube, is used to inspect the inside of the bladder and urethra for any defects. A urologist will perform a cystoscopy to identify and possibly treat urinary tract problems. The procedure is able to address a variety of issues such as bladder cancer, enlarged prostates and urinary tract infections. Patients that are experiencing pain when urinating and those that have blood in the urine can also benefit from this procedure. A diagnostic cystoscopy can be performed in less than ten minutes but will inevitably take longer if the doctor is looking to perform a biopsy or treatment.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a urological surgery that prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation and is essentially a form of birth control for men. During the procedure, a surgeon blocks off the vas deferens, a tube that transports sperm from the testicles to the urethra. A vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control and although it is possible to reverse the procedure at a later stage the reversal is not always successful. This is why it is important for Patients that are considering a vasectomy to be well-informed about the procedure, as there is a chance that the effects could be permanent.

Make sure that you discuss all of your expectations and fears with a medical professional if you are considering urological surgery. Our team of experts at Centurion Day Hospital have a wealth of experience and has helped patients from all walks of life! Contact us today to book a consultation at our facility and speak to one of our dedicated staff members to find out what procedure would best meet your needs.

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Circumcision In Urology

circumcision surgery

No matter how simple or complicated a procedure may be, going in for surgery is a daunting thought for most. Adult circumcision is not a very complex operation, but the idea of having surgery performed in such a sensitive area can be frightening nonetheless. What should put you at ease is the fact that the success rate of circumcisions is extremely high when it is performed in the right environment and by a qualified individual. If complications do arise, they are generally during the aftercare phase and are likely caused by bleeding or infection. These complications can be easily mitigated with the correct medical support and the right medicine. It is only if a patient fails to address these problems that they may have adverse consequences.  

Why Choose a Urologist for Circumcision?

A circumcision can be performed by a paediatrician, family doctor, general surgeon or obstetrician but most adult circumcisions are performed by a urologist. Urologists specialise in the male reproductive system while having extensive surgical training. What’s more, they are highly qualified to provide patients with professional aftercare advice and expertise in male reproductive disorders that is unparalleled by any other medical practitioner. Urologists receive at least 4 years of specialised training focused specifically on the male reproductive system and the urinary tracts of both men and women. They are also equipped to perform complicated surgeries on urinary tract organs and able to carry out other procedures related to male sex organs, such as vasectomies.

In South Africa, the prevalence of traditional circumcision is what leads to the majority of complications associated with the procedure. When a circumcision is performed for cultural purposes, the procedure is often performed by unqualified individuals using inadequate equipment. Genital mutilation, infection and sometimes even amputation can occur when a circumcision is performed incorrectly or in unsanitary conditions. With traditional circumcision, the majority of complications arise from infections that are contracted after the procedure has been performed, while the patient is in recovery. This highlights the importance of receiving professional advice before the surgery and having access to the correct antibiotics to facilitate a patient’s recovery after the fact. If an infection is left untreated it could lead to the patient requiring extended hospitalisation and in very severe cases, potentially death.
Due to constant advances in medical technology, one should only expect to face minor complications when a circumcision has been performed safely. Entrusting the procedure to medical professionals is the best way to ensure that your surgery is a success. Centurion Day Hospital offers advanced surgical support and medical facilities equipped with the latest technology to ensure that you have everything you need to make a speedy recovery. Visit our website at http://www.centuriondayhospital.co.za/ to schedule an appointment today!

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Adult Circumcision Explained

Adult Circumcision

Adult Circumcision is a common procedure that is performed worldwide for various reasons and is something that is quite prevalent in South African society. Circumcisions are often done for religious purposes, as is the case in Islam and Judaism, wherein infants are circumcised according to religious customs and laws. In South Africa, certain cultures perform circumcisions as a rite of passage and it is seen as something that facilitates the transitioning of a young boy into manhood. In these cases, the procedure is typically performed when an individual is between the ages of 16 and 19. 

When an individual decides to be circumcised as an adult, it is often because of personal preference or because of the possible benefits that circumcision could offer. There are also certain medical conditions that require circumcision as a treatment: balanitis (foreskin swelling), paraphimosis (foreskin does not return to its original position after retraction), balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin), and phimosis (foreskin cannot retract properly). If none of these conditions are present, there would be no medical requirement for circumcision.

The Procedure

An Adult Circumcision is performed by surgically removing the foreskin of a patient’s penis, which is a piece of skin that covers the glans (head) of the penis. A local anaesthetic is administered to the patient, after which the blood flow to the tip of the penis is cut off to reduce the bleeding once the incision is made. The foreskin is then removed and the remaining section of skin is attached to the shaft of the penis, reducing the amount of skin covering the penis and exposing the glans. The procedure generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes and the patient is able to be discharged on the same day as the surgery. When performed in the correct environment and by medical professionals, the procedure itself is very low risk and patients recover within a few weeks if appropriate aftercare is practised.

Patient Aftercare

Patients are able to return to work within a few days, depending on how quickly the wound is healing. They might experience some discomfort in the beginning and patients should refrain from performing strenuous activities for up to four weeks. Sexual activities should be avoided for at least six weeks and care should be taken to keep the wound clean as infection is one of the biggest threats to the procedure. Because of this, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to a patient to prevent an infection from occurring. Patients should also try to avoid trauma to the wound by applying bandages properly and securing the penis to their body.  

 Benefits Of Circumcision

Studies have shown that there are certain benefits associated with having a medical circumcision. It is said to decrease urinary tract infections in infants and reduce the risk of being infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It reduces the risk of infections to sexual partners and is also believed to reduce the risk of developing penile cancer due to the fact that it increases an individual’s overall genital health and hygiene. 

The best way to ensure that your procedure is a success is by entrusting it to medical professionals. Centurion Day Hospital provides patients with advanced surgical support and well equipped medical facilities to ensure that you have everything you need to make a speedy recovery. Visit our website at http://www.centuriondayhospital.co.za/ to schedule an appointment today!