Urology

Urology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract and reproductive system.

At Ramsay Northern Private Hospital, our patients are at the heart of everything we do. That's why your care team will work with you to create a care plan tailored to your needs. And our holistic approach to health means you can access a wide range of services — all in one place.

Services overview

Our urology care teams offer a wide range of services across Australia. Below is a general guide to some of the most common treatments available. However, every condition is unique and your doctor will tailor their approach to suit your individual needs.

• Cystoscopy
  A procedure performed to examine the inner lining of the bladder. During the cystoscopy, a thin tube with a light and camera on the end (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The specialist will examine the lining of the bladder and if required, take a biopsy of bladder tissue for further investigation.
• Circumcision
  A surgery to remove the foreskin from the penis. This is usually performed when the foreskin is too tight (phimosis) or is susceptible to recurrent infections (balanitis).
• Laser Stone Fragmentation
  Laser stone fragmentation is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to break down bladder, kidney, or urinary tract stones into smaller pieces so they can be easily passed or removed. During the procedure, a thin fibre-optic laser is introduced through an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) that is inserted into the urinary tract. The laser emits high-energy pulses that precisely target the stone. The laser energy breaks the stone into fine fragments or dust. These smaller fragments either pass through urine or are removed using small baskets.
• Pyeloscopy
  Pyeloscopy is an endoscopic procedure that involves the direct visualisation of the renal pelvis and upper urinary tract. It is often performed using a flexible ureteroscope or pyeloscope. The instrument is passed through the urethra, bladder, and up the ureter into the renal pelvis. Pyeloscopy allows doctors to inspect the lining of the renal pelvis and upper urinary tract for abnormalities such as stones, tumours, strictures, or infections.
• Stent insertion and removal
  A procedure to treat or prevent the obstruction of urine flow from the kidney into the bladder. A double J stent is a type of ureteral stent that is a thin hollow tube, coiled at either end to prevent the stent from moving out of place. During this procedure, the stent is inserted inside the ureter with the assistance of a cystoscope. It is temporarily placed until the obstruction (such as a kidney stone) has cleared to prevent damage to the kidney.
• Vasectomies
  Bilateral: A type of surgical procedure where the male's tubes (vas) that carry sperm from the testicles are tied or sealed to prevent sperm joining the seminal stream, therefore preventing fertilisation.

Prostate procedures

• Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
  HoLEP is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), that is, enlargement of the prostate gland which can cause urinary problems in men.
  
  During a HoLEP procedure, a holmium laser fibre is inserted into the urethra through a special scope called a resectoscope. Using the laser, the surgeon carefully enucleates (cuts away) the enlarged prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. The laser energy precisely cuts the excess prostate tissue from the prostate capsule.
  
  Once the tissue is freed, it is pushed into the bladder. The surgeon then uses a device called a morcellator to chop the removed tissue into small pieces that are suctioned out through the scope.

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
  TURP is a common surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that causes urinary problems.
  
  A special instrument called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The resectoscope has a light, camera, and an electrical loop at the end.
  
  Using the electrical loop, the surgeon carefully cuts away portions of the enlarged prostate tissue that are blocking urine flow. The cut tissue is either removed piece by piece or flushed out through the resectoscope.
  
  The procedure enlarges the passage for urine, relieving obstruction and improving urine flow.