Urology is a branch of medical science that is also known as genitourinary surgery. Urology focuses on men's genital problems and urinary tract diseases of both genders. The urinary-tract and the reproductive-tract are very close together, so one function may affect the other. In general, the organs that undergo urologic surgery are the kidneys, ureters, adrenal glands, urethra, urinary bladder, and reproductive organs of men (testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate, and penis).
Until the late 20th century, urologic surgeries were usually performed in open surgeries. Such surgeries required the patient to be hospitalized for several days, after which he had to undergo a long recovery. But urologic surgeries today have fewer complications, and new procedures have reduced the length of hospital stay. This capability was created by using laparoscopic surgeries. In laparoscopic surgery, thin tubes and surgical instruments such as light, camera, forceps, and scissors are inserted into the body by creating small holes. All procedures are performed without large incisions in the body and through a vision on the monitor.
The Iranian Urological Association monitors the urological surgeries in Iran by examining the status of the urologists' scientific, research, equipment, and occupational status. The association also ensures that urologic surgeons in Iran benefit from up-to-date knowledge of urology through communication and membership in international forums, The European Urology Association and The Asian Urology Association. It should be noted that 70% of Iranian urologists are members of this association.
It can be said that the cost of treatment is a major factor in choosing medical tourism destinations but, more importantly, quality, expertise and minimizing patient concerns. Medical tourism in Iran is rapidly advancing; however, the cost of urologic surgeries in Iran is lower than in Western and European countries as well as many Asian countries. The cost of medical treatments in Iran depends on various factors such as hospital or clinic level, physician experience, exchange rate and so on. Refer to the Urological Surgeries Price Comparison Table to see the price range.
Depending on the type of surgery and the surgeon's skill, the surgery time varies from a few minutes for diagnostic procedures to 3-5 hours for major surgeries.
The duration of hospitalization varies from one day to one week, depending on the degree of injury and surgery type. Major and serious urology surgeries require stenting and catheterization that is removed after surgery.
Some surgeries are performed in two stages; in the first stage, the patient's tissue is removed, and in the second stage, reconstruction or enlargement is performed to improve and replace the function. The length of hospital stay and recovery time after laparoscopic (close) surgery is shorter and faster, and its side-effects are less than open surgery. The following are the types of urologic surgeries performed by laparoscopy.
Today, more than 90% of pelvic and abdominal surgeries are performed by laparoscopy. Laparoscopy for urologic surgeries involves the removal of cancerous and non-functioning kidneys.
1- Removing the site of ureteral stenosis and kidneys, which are one of the most common kidney abnormalities
2- Removal large ureteral stones
3- Bladder implantation
4- Removal of prostate cancer
5- Varicocele surgery (the most common cause of male infertility)
6- Large kidney cysts
7- RPLND surgery to treat testicular cancer