Urology

A 24-hour urine collection is a simple lab test that measures what’s in your urine. The test is used to check kidney function. Here's what you need to know.

An antegrade pyelogram is an imaging test to find a blockage (obstruction) in the upper urinary tract. Read on to learn about what to expect before, during, and after this test.

Circumcision is a surgery to remove the skin covering the end of the penis. This is called the foreskin. This surgery is most often done 1 or 2 days after a baby's birth. Read on to learn more about this procedure.

CT scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and computer technology to make images or slices of the body. A CT scan can make detailed pictures of any part of the body. This includes the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.

Cryotherapy involves freezing cancer cells and cutting off their blood supply. Read on to learn more about this treatment.

Cystography is an imaging test that can help diagnose problems in your bladder. It uses X-rays. They may be X-ray pictures or fluoroscopy, a kind of X-ray "movie."

Cystometry is a test used to look for problems with the filling and emptying of the bladder. The bladder is part of the urinary tract.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets the healthcare provider view the urinary tract, particularly the bladder, the urethra, and the openings to the ureters. Cystoscopy can help find problems with the urinary tract. This may include early signs of cancer, infection, narrowing, blockage, or bleeding.

An intravenous pyelogram is an imaging test used to look at the kidneys and ureters. The ureters are the narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

A biopsy is done to remove tissue or cells from the body for exam under a microscope. The tissue sample is removed with a needle to check for cancer or other abnormal cells. It also helps check how well the kidney is working.

A kidney scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to assess the function and structure of the kidneys, as well as the perfusion (blood flow) to the kidney tissue.

A kidney transplant is a surgery done to replace a diseased or injured kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. The kidney may come from a deceased organ donor or from a living donor.

A kidney ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your kidneys. It can check the size, shape, and location of your kidneys. It also lets your healthcare provider see how well blood is flowing in your kidneys.

This type of X-ray may be done to check the stomach for causes of stomach pain. It may also be done to check the organs and structures of the urinary or GI system. The X-ray may be the first diagnostic procedure used to check the urinary system.

Lithotripsy is a procedure used to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract. It works by sending focused ultrasound energy or shock waves directly to the stone. The shock waves break a large stone into smaller stones that will pass through the urinary system. Lithotripsy lets people with certain types of kidney stones not need surgery.

A prostate biopsy is done after other tests show that there may be a problem with the prostate gland. It is the best method to diagnose prostate cancer. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

A prostate or rectal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your prostate or your rectum.

Radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove the prostate gland. During the procedure, the seminal vesicles, nearby tissues, and often some pelvic lymph nodes are also removed.

A renal angiogram is an imaging test to look at the blood vessels in your kidneys. Your healthcare provider can use it to look at the ballooning of a blood vessel (aneurysm), narrowing of a blood vessel (stenosis), or blockages in a blood vessel. They can also see how well blood is flowing to your kidneys.

A renal venogram is an imaging test to look at the veins in and around your kidneys. Your doctor may also use the test to find out what is causing your high blood pressure (hypertension).

Retrograde cystography is an imaging test that uses X-rays to see the bladder. X-rays are made of the bladder after it has been filled with a contrast dye. The dye lets the radiologist see your organ or tissues more clearly.

A retrograde pyelogram is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Read on for details about what to expect before, during, and after this test.

Prostatectomy is surgery to remove the prostate gland. Read on to learn about robotic prostatectomy, a minimally invasive procedure.

A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is surgery to remove parts of the prostate gland through the penis. No cuts (incisions) are needed.

A urine flow test calculates the speed of urine flow over time. It may be used to check how the bladder and sphincter are working. Here's what you need to know about the test.

Vasectomy is surgery a man may choose if he doesn't want to father any more children. It is permanent male birth control.

Varicocele embolization is a type of medical procedure. It redirects blood away from an enlarged vein in your scrotum. Such a vein is called a varicocele. It can cause pain, infertility, and swelling.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets a healthcare provider look at the urinary tract. It can help find early signs of cancer, infection, narrowing, blockage, bleeding and other problems.