What procedures do urologists perform?

When you visit a urologist, they’ll start by doing one or more of these tests to find out what condition you have:
  • Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound, allow them to see inside your urinary tract.
  • They can order a cystogram, which involves taking X-ray images of your bladder.
  • Your urologist can perform a cystoscopy. This involves using a thin scope called a cystoscope to see the inside of your urethra and bladder.
  • They can perform a post-void residual urine test to find out how fast urine leaves your body during urination. It also shows how much urine is left in your bladder after you urinate.
  • They can use a urine sample to check your urine for bacteria that cause infections.
  • They can perform urodynamic testing to measure the pressure and volume inside your bladder.
Urologists are also trained to perform different types of surgery. This may include performing:
  • biopsies of the bladder, kidneys, or prostate
  • a cystectomy, which involves removing the bladder, to treat cancer
  • extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, which involves breaking up kidney stones so they can remove them more easily
  • a kidney transplant, which involves replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one
  • a procedure to open a blockage
  • a repair of damage due to injury
  • a repair of urinary organs that aren’t well-formed
  • a prostatectomy, which involves removing all or part of the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer
  • a sling procedure, which involves using strips of mesh to support the urethra and keep it closed to treat urinary incontinence
  • a transurethral resection of the prostate, which involves removing excess tissue from an enlarged prostate
  • a transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, which involves removing excess tissue from an enlarged prostate
  • a ureteroscopy, which involves using a scope to remove stones in the kidneys and ureter
  • a vasectomy to prevent pregnancy, which involves cutting and tying the vas deferens, or the tube sperm travel through to produce semen

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