general surgery urinary surgery

General surgery often encompasses urological procedures, especially in emergency situations or where specialized urologists are unavailable. These procedures can range from minor surgeries like cystoscopies and stent insertions to major surgeries for cancers of the kidney, bladder, and prostate. Key aspects of general surgery related to urology: Emergency Procedures: General surgeons frequently handle emergency urological cases due to their broad surgical skillset. Subspecialty Overlap: General surgeons may perform procedures like endoscopic insertion of ureteral stents, cystoscopies, and bladder catheterizations, which are typically within the domain of urology. Training and Skillset: Training for general surgeons includes a certain level of competence in urological procedures, especially for rural settings where access to specialized care is limited. Specific Procedures: General surgeons might perform: Cystoscopy: Examining the bladder and urethra with a cystoscope. Ureteric Stenting: Placing a stent in the ureter to relieve blockages. Urethral Dilatation: Widening the urethra. Varicocele and Hydrocele Surgery: Addressing issues in the scrotum. Stone Removal (PCNL, RIRS, ECRS): Procedures for kidney and ureteral stones. Reconstructive Surgery: Pyloplasty, urethroplasty, and urinary diversions. Bladder Surgery: General surgeons may also be involved in bladder surgery, including: Cystectomy: Removal of the bladder, often for cancer. Urinary Diversion: Creating a new way for urine to exit the body, such as continent or incontinent diversions. Retropubic Suspension: Supporting the bladder in cases of sagging. Prostate Surgery: General surgeons may perform procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Urinary Incontinence: General surgeons may be involved in procedures like vaginal mesh surgery for urinary incontinence, though this is also a specialized area. Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery: The use of minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy and robotics is becoming more common in urological procedures performed by general surgeons.