Minimal invasive solutions for urology

My father is 67. For a few months, I've noticed that he has lost some weight and has disturbed sleep as he has an increased urge to pass urine at night. He has been on medications for a while now, but no relief.

Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is age-related prostate gland enlargement that causes difficulty in urination. Medications work symptomatically. The gold standard of management for BPH is a surgical solution — Laser TURP (Transurethral resection of Prostate). Dr Himesh Gandhi, Consultant of Uro-Oncology and Robotic, Laparoscopic Uro-Surgeon at Healing Hands Clinic will do a thorough analysis of the condition to rule out malignancy. Laser surgery is best as it's minimally invasive and due to its fast and smooth recovery, the patient can be back home within a day or two.

My 70-year-old grandfather noticed blood in the urine for the first time last week. We all are worried as he has reduced appetite resulting in weight loss in the last six months. He also complains of back pain. What could be the reason?

These symptoms are suggestive of kidney/ renal cancer. One must not worry & should take action immediately as time plays an important role. After confirming the diagnosis through physical examination & few tests, the patient may need surgery/chemotherapy/ radiation depending upon the stage of the disease. Dr Gandhi has performed more than 100 robotic surgeries successfully namely robotic partial/ radical nephrectomies, robotic radical prostatectomy, etc. Robotic surgeries have faster recovery, lesser pain, and can manage intricacies required for complex cases.

My wife has been suffering from kidney stones for a few years. The pain attacks have increased. She has noticed blood in her urine recently. Is surgery the only solution for it?

Depending on the location and size of the stones and those who fail medical management, require surgery. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) & laser lithotripsy is an endoscopic surgery for stone extraction. It is quicker than a traditional open surgery which involves cuts and stitches. Patients do not experience pain after surgery and overall, they recover much faster. A patient can be discharged within 1 or 2 days.
Tips to prevent kidney stones: drink plenty of water and avoid excess intake of salt. Say no to aerated drinks, add lemon juice to your water, eat more fresh foods and avoid processed and preserved food items.

Keep urology - related ailments at bay

I am a nutritionist by profession. I have had kidney stone issues for a very long time. With some diet changes and medi-cations, it helped for a while but I am looking for a permanent solution. The back pain has increased in the last few months.

For patients suffering for a long duration, a detailed analysis is needed. At the Healing Hands Clinic, we understand the location of the stone. Sometimes the stone can be stuck in the ureter for two to three years. In such cases, we have to ensure the kidneys are not affected and Laparoscopic surgery is advised to ensure the ureter is not compromised. Dr Himesh Gandhi, with over a decade of experience, thoroughly examines the patient and advises necessary investigations Post-surgery, there is minimal pain, the patient doesn’t need bed rest and can be back home within one or two days.

My son is 18 and has been having trouble passing urine since birth. The complaints of pain and burning sensation have increased over time. He is unable to recover fully with conservative treatment. We are looking for a permanent solution.

Phimosis can occur at any age. It’s a condition in which a tight foreskin can’t be pulled back over the head of the penis.

Symptoms include:

  • Redness or discoloration, which may occur
  • when infected/irritated.
  • Swelling (inflammation), which may occur
  • when infected/irritated.
  • Soreness.
  • Pain while urinating (dysuria).
  • Pain with erections or with sexual activity

One must consult an expert for a permanent solution. Laser Circumcision surgery has proven to be the best permanent solution as there is minimal pain, no bed rest and the patient can be up and about within a day.

My son is 18 and has been having trouble passing urine since birth. The complaints of pain and burning sensation have increased over time. He is unable to recover fully with conservative treatment. We are looking for a permanent solution.

A hydrocele can develop as a result of injury or inflammation within the scrotum. Inflammation might be caused by an infection in the testicle or in the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle (epididymitis). A hydrocele that doesn’t disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure. The surgery to remove a hydrocele (hydrocele repair ) can be done under general or regional anesthesia. Advanced surgery proves beneficial as a long hospital stay is not required, no restrictions on movements and the patient can resume college within a day or two.

Prioritising urinary tract and kidney health

My friend from overseas is visiting India for work. He is 42/M yrs old. He has noticed swelling over the scrotum since 20days with mild pain and heaviness from 2days. Can he be treated for the same while he is visiting for work?

Varicoceles are believed to be caused by defective valves in the veins within the scrotum. Normally, these valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the testicles. When normal flow doesn't occur, the blood backs up, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge). At Healing Hands clinic, Dr Himesh Gandhi, Uro-Oncology consultant & surgeon will perform a basic physical examination. Based on colour doppler test of scrotum and it’s results the grade of varicocele is determined. Grade I & II can be treated with medications. Grade III & IV require surgery. Healing Hands clinic has technically advanced medical treatments which includes microscopic varicocele surgery, a high-powered surgical microscope is used to perform the operation. This type of surgery allows for a better view of the affected area. The patient can be back home within 24hours and can resume all his activities from the next day itself. There are no restrictions for travel too.

My daughters nanny is 35 yrs old. She has been suffering from urinary tract infection frequently She tried over the counter medicines but it seems to recur. Her tummy looks bloated all the time & is is constantly complaining of discomfort. Whom should She see? And is there a permanent solution?

Urinary tract infection (UTI)/ Cystitis is suggestive of the above mentioned symptoms. It’s commonly seen in females as the urethra is shorter in length. Cystitis is bladder inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Dr Himesh Gandhi, with over a decades experience in Urology will assess the patient thoroughly at Healing Hands Clinic and advise some blood & Urine tests with ultrasound to confirm diagnosis. He has successfully treated thousands of recurring infections with oral/ intravenous medications.
Note: One should always see a specialist at the earliest to avoid complications like damage to the kidneys, urine retention etc

My father in law is 72yrs with history of diabetes since 20 years. Of late, he has difficulty in passing urine. He has to strain and urine flow has reduced. He feels he has not emptied the bladder fully. Please guide us as we cannot see him in so much discomfort.

Men are more likely to have a urethral disease or injury because of their longer urethra. For this reason, urethral strictures (narrowing of urethra) are more common in men. In most cases cause is not found, however some underlying causes include- enlargement of prostate gland, infection/injury, post surgery complications etc. A specialist in Urology with a rich experience, Dr Himesh Gandhi is known for his excellent work in the field. One needs to address this at the earliest. Without treatment, patient will continue to have problems with voiding. Urinary and/or testicular infections and stones could develop. Also, there is a risk of urinary retention (when you can't pass urine), which could lead to an enlarged bladder and kidney problems. With a physical examination & urethral imaging / urethroscopy, the location of the stricture is determined and the treatment is planned accordingly. Laser surgery or dilation of the urethra is advised for permanent relief. This minimally invasive treatment is a boon in today’s time as it requires minimal hospitalisation and faster recovery.

Advance treatment for kidney stones

My mother-in-law has been suffering from kidney stones for a few years. The pain attacks have increased. She has noticed blood in her urine recently. Is surgery the only solution for it?

Depending on the location and size of the stones and those who fail medical management, require surgery. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy is an endoscopic surgery for stone extraction. It is quicker than a traditional open surgery which involves cuts and stitches. Patients do not experience pain after surgery and overall, they recover much faster. Patients can be discharged within one or two days.
Tips to prevent kidney stones : Drink plenty of water, avoid excess intake of salt, avoid aerated drinks, add lemon juice to your water, eat more fresh foods and avoid processed and preserved foods.

My father turned 70 last week. For the past couple of months, he has been facing a disturbed sleeping pattern due to an increased urge to pass urine at night. He has been on medications for a while now but there isn’t much relief. Is surgery the only solution for an enlarged prostate?

Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is age-related prostate gland enlargement that causes difficulty in urination. Medications work symptomatically. The gold management standard for BPH is a surgical solution — Laser TURP (Transurethral resection of Prostate). Laser surgery is best as it’s minimally invasive and due to its fast and smooth recovery, the patient can be back home within a day or two. Although it has nothing to do with cancer, untreated BPH has the potential to lead to severe complications, ranging from urinary tract infections and stones in the bladder or kidney to urinary retention and kidney damage.

Last month my grandfather noticed blood in his urine for the first time last week. He has lost his appetite and some weight. He also complains of lower back pain on and off.

These symptoms are suggestive of kidney/ renal cancer. One must not worry and should take action immediately as time plays an important role. After confirming the diagnosis through physical examination and a few tests, the patient may need surgery/chemotherapy/ radiation depending upon the stage of the disease. Dr Himesh Gandhi has successfully performed more than 100 robotic surgeries, namely Robotic Partial/ Radical Nephrectomies, Robotic Radical Prostatectomies, etc. Robotic surgeries have faster recovery, lesser pain, and can manage intricacies required for complex cases.

Take better care of your urological health

I am 62/M. I have been facing age-related urine problems. The sensation of incomplete emptying is constantly there since few months. Sleep is disturbed as the urge to prfass urine increases at night. Please guide with the most advanced & permanent treatment for it as I am a doctor and would wish to resume my practice soon.

BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) often affects men starting at the age of 50. By age 60, about half of all men will have some signs of BPH. BPH is a condition caused by an enlarged prostate (the gland that sits right below the bladder), and is a normal part of aging. As the prostate expands, it can block the urethra and make it harder to urinate.

Common signs & symptoms of BPH include :
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate.
  • Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
  • Difficulty starting urination.
  • Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts.
  • Dribbling at the end of urination.
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder.
Less common signs and symptoms include :
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Inability to urinate
  • Blood in the urine

Dr Himesh Gandhi, with over a decades experience in Urology will assess the patient thoroughly at Healing Hands Clinic and advise some blood & Urine tests with ultrasound to confirm diagnosis & rule out malignancy. He is trained in the most advanced techniques. The UroLift System is a straightforward procedure that utilizes tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue. Hence patient can be home in 24 hours and can resume all their duties after a day or two. Minimal hospitalisation and rapid relief from symptoms with low risk of side effects proves it extremely beneficial for people with busy schedules.

I am 35/F & specialise in nutrition and dietetics. I have been suffering from kidney stones for quite some time now. With proper water & diet intake I could manage the symptoms well. However off late it has become unmanageable. Is surgery the only solution? I am getting frequent urine infection too. Please guide

Surgical treatment is usually recommended for stones 0.5 centimeters in size and larger, as well as for patients who fail conservative management. Kidney stones should be removed by surgery if they cause repeated infections in the urine or because they are blocking the flow of urine from the kidney. RIRS with laser (retrograde intrarenal surgery ) is a safe procedure to treat renal calculus. This advanced surgery usually involves small or no incisions (cuts), minor pain, minimal time off work & highly effective. Any delay in the treatment of kidney stones can damage the entire kidney.

My aunt is 45 yrs old. She has been suffering from urinary tract infection frequently She tried over the counter medicines but no relief. Her tummy looks bloated all the time & is constantly complaining of pain and discomfort. Whom should She see? And is there a permanent solution?

Urinary tract infection (UTI)/ Cystitis is suggestive of the above mentioned symptoms. It’s commonly seen in females as the urethra is shorter in length. Cystitis is bladder inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Dr Himesh Gandhi, with over a decades experience in Urology will assess the patient thoroughly at Healing Hands Clinic and advise some blood & Urine tests with ultrasound to confirm diagnosis. He has successfully treated thousands of recurring infections with oral/ intravenous medications.
Note : One should always see a specialist at the earliest to avoid complications like damage to the kidneys, urine retention etc

IMPROVE RENAL HEALTH & KEEP UTI AT BAY

My father is facing age-related urine problems. The sensation of incomplete emptying is constantly there for a few months. Sleep is disturbed as the urge to pass urine increases at night. Please guide us with a permanent solution.

BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) often affects men starting at the age of 50. By age 60, about half of all men will have some signs of BPH. BPH is a condition caused by an enlarged prostate (the gland that sits right below the bladder) and is a normal part of ageing. As the prostate expands, it can block the urethra and make it harder to urinate.
Common signs and symptoms of BPH include:

  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
  • Dribbling at the end of urination
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Less common signs and symptoms include, urinary tract infection, inability to urinate and blood in the urine

Some blood and urine tests with ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy. The UroLift System is a straightforward procedure that utilises tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating, or removal of prostate tissue. Hence patients can be home in 24 hours and can resume all their duties after a day or two. Minimal hospitalisation and rapid relief from symptoms with a low risk of side effects prove it extremely beneficial for people with busy schedules.

My mother specialises in nutrition and dietetics. I have been suffering from kidney stones for quite some time now. With her guidance, I managed the symptoms well. Of late, it has become unmanageable. Is surgery the only solution?

Surgical treatment is usually recommended for stones 0.5 centimeters in size and larger, as well as for patients who fail conservative management. Kidney stones should be removed by surgery if they cause repeated infections in the urine or because they are blocking the flow of urine from the kidney. RIRS with laser (retrograde intrarenal surgery ) is a safe procedure to treat renal calculus. This advanced surgery usually involves small or no incisions (cuts), minor pain, and minimal time off work and is highly effective. Any delay in the treatment of kidney stones can damage the entire kidney.

My 40-year-old aunt has been frequently suffering from urinary tract infections. She tried OTC medicines but there was no relief. Her tummy looks bloated all the time & she constantly complains of pain and discomfort.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)/ Cystitis is suggestive of the above-mentioned symptoms. It’s commonly seen in females as the urethra is shorter in length. Cystitis is bladder inflammation caused by bacterial infection. An expert will assess the patient thoroughly and advise some blood and urine tests with ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Recurring infections can be treated with oral/ intravenous medications.

Note: One should always see a specialist at the earliest to avoid complications like damage to the kidneys, urine retention, etc.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SOLUTIONS FOR STONE-PROSTATE CONDITIONS

My mother is a nutritionist by profession. She has had kidney stones issues for a very long time. With some diet changes and medications it helped for a while but now we are looking for a permanent solution. The back pain has increased in the last few months.

For patients suffering for a long duration, a detailed analysis is done at Healing hands clinic to understand the location of the stone. Sometimes the stone can be stuck in the ureter for 2-3yrs. In such cases we have to ensure the kidneys are not affected and a laparoscopic surgery is advised to ensure the ureter is not compromised. Dr Himesh Gandhi, with over a decades experience thoroughly examines the patient and advises necessary investigations. Post surgery, there is minimal pain, patient doesn’t need bed rest & can be back home within 1 or 2days.

My son is 21yrs old. He has been having trouble while passing urine since birth. The complaints of pain & burning sensation has increased over time. He is unable to recover fully with Conservative treatment. We are looking for a permanent solution.

Phimosis can occur at any age. It’s a condition in which tight foreskin can't be pulled back over the head of the penis.

Symptoms include :

  • Redness or discoloration, which may occur when infected/irritated.
  • Swelling (inflammation), which may occur when infected/irritated.
  • Soreness.
  • Pain while urinating (dysuria).
  • Pain with erections or with sexual activity

My nephew who is 18 years old participated in a sports tournament last week. Since then he is complaining of swelling over the scrotum along with mild pain.

A hydrocele can develop as a result of injury or inflammation within the scrotum. Inflammation might be caused by an infection in the testicle or in the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle (epididymitis). A hydrocele that doesn't disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure. The surgery to remove a hydrocele (Hydrocele repair ) can be done under general or regional anesthesia. The advanced surgery proves beneficial as long hospital stay is not required, no restrictions on movements and patient can resume college within a day or two.