Imaging (X-Ray or CTs etc.) They use high-frequency sonic technology and can visualize the kidneys, bladder, prostate etc. A CT Scan is a detailed digital imaging technique that can be very useful in diagnosing structures such as stones and tumours. MRI Scans can be done to look at the kidneys as well as the prostate.
Imaging tests such as pyelogram, cystography, CT scan or ultrasound of the kidney, prostate/rectal sonogram and renal angiogram provide visibility into the urinary tract to look for blockages, tumors and other abnormalities. Cystometry and urine flow tests help doctors assess whether urinary function is normal.
A diagnostic cystoscopy usually only takes about five minutes, but may take a little longer. If you're having a biopsy or treatment, the procedure may take longer. During a cystoscopy, your doctor: Slides a lubricated cystoscope through the urethra to the bladder.
Urologic diseases or conditions include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems, among others. Some urologic conditions last only a short time, while others are long-lasting.
1. Urine Tests – Urologists will test a urine sample to determine any number of urological conditions, to include urinary tract infections and kidney disease.
Urinalysis. A urinalysis is the most common urine test and is used to test for bacteria, foreign materials, and blood cells. This test can also help to determine urinary tract infections, diabetes, and early stages of diseases.
Red blood cell urine test. Glucose urine test. Protein urine test. Urine pH level test.
Red Flag/Urgently refer patients if:
A suspicion of prostate or bladder cancer see 2WW referral. Storage symptoms in a heavy smoker. Chronic retention which may present as night time enuresis / over flow incontinence and/ or painless palpable bladder needs renal function checking and refer urgently.
You may make an appointment or get a referral to a urologist if you have: Trouble urinating (peeing), including getting started or having a strong flow of urine, pain, cloudy urine or blood in the urine. Changes in urination, like frequent urination or feeling like you always have to go.
A rigid cystoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic (where you're asleep) or a spinal anaesthetic (which numbs the lower half of your body), so you will not have any pain while it's carried out. It's normal to have some discomfort when peeing after a cystoscopy, but this should pass in a few days.
For this test, you will urinate into a special funnel that is connected to a measuring device. The device calculates the amount of urine, rate of flow in seconds, and the length of time until all urine has been passed. This information helps evaluate how well the lower urinary tract is working.
Does it hurt? People often worry that a cystoscopy will be painful, but it does not usually hurt. Tell your doctor or nurse if you feel any pain during it. It can be a bit uncomfortable and you may feel like you need to pee during the procedure, but this will only last a few minutes.
Urgent referral
Urgently refer people (appointment within two weeks) if they are: aged 45 and over with either: unexplained visible haematuria without urinary tract infection. OR visible haematuria that persists or recurs after successful treatment of urinary tract infection.
Why it's done. A CT urogram is used to examine the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It lets your doctor see the size and shape of these structures to determine if they're working properly and to look for any signs of disease that may affect your urinary system.
Congenital urological anomalies (abnormalities) are birth defects involving the urological and genital systems (or genitourinary system). “Congenital” means they occur during fetal development or very early in infancy.
Bladder cancer is perhaps the most obvious cancer to find in urine, but evidence suggests that remnants of other cancers – like kidney, prostate and cervical cancer – can also get into pee.
The usual color of urine is straw-yellow. Abnormally-colored urine may be cloudy, dark, or blood-colored.
Abnormal: A very high specific gravity means very concentrated urine, which may be caused by not drinking enough fluid, loss of too much fluid (excessive vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea), or substances (such as sugar or protein) in the urine.
Cystoscopy may be an embarrassing procedure for the patient. Exposure and handling of the genitalia must be performed with respect. The patient should remain exposed only as long as is necessary to complete the evaluation.
Complications of cystoscopy can include: Infection. Rarely, cystoscopy can introduce germs into your urinary tract, causing an infection. Risk factors for developing a urinary tract infection after cystoscopy include advanced age, smoking and unusual anatomy in your urinary tract.
Most people leave hospital the same day, but sometimes an overnight stay might be needed. You'll need to arrange for someone to take you home as you will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours.