Dr. Soumyan Dey

What are the PCNL Procedure Steps

Large kidney stones that do not get expelled from your body through urine or do not respond to conservative treatments might need surgical removal. The procedure to remove these stones surgically is called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNCL) and is often reserved as a last resort. It may sound complex, but PCNL surgery in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for kidney stone removal. To help you understand how it works, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on PCNL. Here’s a look: PCNL Procedure Steps Before Surgery The pre-surgical preparations for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy are similar to those for other surgeries. A urologist may conduct blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging tests before surgery. You are advised to avoid eating and drinking 6-8 hours before the surgery is scheduled. You may need to stop blood thinners (if you are taking them). Antibiotics may be recommended to prevent infections. During Surgery The procedure typically lasts between two and four hours. Sometimes, the stones are sent to the lab for thorough evaluation. The technicians check the composition of the stone to identify the components it’s made up of. This helps prevent its recurrence. After PCNL, you will be taken to the recovery room, where your vitals will be checked regularly to ensure you are healing well. Recovery and Aftercare The recovery period is different for each patient. However, most people resume their basic activities within a week after PCNL. Walking is recommended after surgery to prevent blood clots, constipation, and other complications. However, you must not lift heavy weights, especially objects that weigh more than 8 pounds. Make sure you attend the follow-up visits, as a urologist in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, will most likely run tests to ensure the stones are completely removed. They may also provide instructions regarding diets, lifestyle changes, medication, and physical therapies for faster healing. When to See Your Doctor Modern surgical approaches and advanced equipment make complications after surgery less likely, but it’s best to watch for these signs and head to your urologist immediately if you notice any. While PCNL may sound intimidating, it’s a safe and effective surgical treatment for kidney stone removal, specifically for stones that cause immense pain.

Why is Robotic Surgery in Urology Essential?

Urology encompasses the delicate parts of the body, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and male reproductive organs. If surgery is recommended, it should be performed by the best uro-oncologist and robotic surgeon in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, to minimize the risk of accidental damage to surrounding tissues and organs. What once looked futuristic has now gone mainstream. Robotic surgery has proven to be a successful treatment tool for urological surgical procedures, and it\’s not hard to see why. In this post, we\’ve explored the top reasons why robotic surgery in urology is essential. Here\’s a look: What Is Robotic Urologic Surgery? Robotic surgery doesn\’t imply a robot performing surgery. A professional sits at the console, commands the robotic arm that holds all the essential surgical tools and executes the surgery. The key difference lies in the fact that robotic hands are used to reach tricky, restricted areas. In other words, the surgeon maneuvers the robotic arm to achieve better control and precision. Urologic surgery is widely preferred for these procedures: Why Use Robotic Surgery in Urology? Here\’s what makes robotic surgery in urology a better alternative to traditional surgery: Allows Access to Tight Spaces The urinary tract includes organs that are located in restricted areas. They are surrounded by nerves, muscles, and tiny blood vessels, which can be hard to navigate. Robotic urology surgery in Navi Mumbai has enabled surgeons to perform the most challenging urological procedures while ensuring minimal to no damage to healthy tissues. Excellent Precision Robots are designed to bend, twist, and move seamlessly in narrow and tight spaces, offering unparalleled precision. For delicate areas, such as your kidneys, sphincter muscles, and bladder, surgical precision is indispensable. Robotic arms allow smooth movements with minimal risk of damage to the adjacent tissues and nerves. Faster Recovery Open urology surgery involves large cuts, a risk of excessive blood loss, and longer recovery times. This can extend your hospital stay. You may also need to take painkillers for a prolonged period. With robot-assisted urological surgery, you can expect a discharge in 2-3 days or sooner for simple procedures. Improved Surgical Clarity with 3D Imaging A clear view of the surgical site improves accuracy during the surgery. This can\’t be achieved with human eyes. Improved surgical clarity means more favorable surgical outcomes for the patient. Robotic surgery is not just a fancy or luxury procedure. With the level of precision it offers, it\’s become mandatory in healthcare facilities offering urology care. It makes sense to see a urologist who specializes in using robotic tools for invasive treatment requirements.

How Fast Does the Kidney Cancer Spreads?

Cancers that start in the kidneys are classified as kidney cancers. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurs in most kidney cancer cases, with other less common types being Wilms tumor and transitional cell carcinoma. A common question that a kidney cancer specialist in Navi Mumbai is often asked is, “How fast does kidney cancer spread?” As with other types of malignancies, cancer starting in the kidneys is treatable when diagnosed at an early stage (when it hasn’t spread to the nearby organs and tissues). Let’s understand the factors affecting the speed at which kidney cancer spreads. Cancer Stages Over 90% of kidney cancers are RCC, which has three subtypes: clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe. Of these, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is more likely to travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body. Cancer’s stage tells how far the cancer has spread and helps determine a patient’s prognosis. Let’s understand the different stages of kidney cancer: Cancer can develop over time or occur rapidly. How fast it grows or spreads depends on the type of cancer, its stage, aggressiveness, and other medical factors. Let’s explore each in brief. Key Influencing Factors Tumor Type: Kidney cancers have different growth rates based on their type. Some low-grade cancers grow slowly and are less likely to metastasize, while high-grade cancer, such as clear cell RCC, which is also the most common kidney cancer, can spread fast. Other subtypes occur in fewer people and are less likely to metastasize. Lymph/blood System Involvement: Cancer cells that have penetrated the lymph nodes or blood vessel walls are more likely to metastasize, as they can travel to distant parts of your body through the bloodstream. Genetics and Overall Health: Certain gene mutations can also affect cancer growth. Moreover, your overall health and immunity can impact the growth of cancer. People with good immunity respond better to the treatment. Smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure can result in fast-growing kidney cancer. Where It Spreads Kidney cancers can spread to the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, adrenal glands, bones, skin, and in some cases, brain. The location where the cancer spreads can vary from person to person. Once it’s spread, it’s harder to treat. That’s why seeking kidney cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai in the early stages can help improve the outcome of your treatment. Detection & Treatment CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs are a few imaging tests that can detect tumors. Biopsies are a highly reliable way to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. If it’s caught in the early stages, partial or total nephrectomy (kidney removal) surgery might be recommended. For more aggressive cancers, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are used. Chemotherapy and radiation are not used as a treatment for kidney cancer, as RCC is resistant to chemodrugs.

Exploring the Alarming Warning Signs & Symptoms for Urological Cancer

Urological cancer is a collective medical term for all types of cancers that begin in the male and female urinary system or the male reproductive system. The most commonly affected areas include the bladder, kidneys, ureters, testes (in men), prostate, and urethra. While the symptoms of urological cancers may vary depending on the affected organs, they all require early detection and prompt medical attention for a better chance of recovery. Common Symptoms of Urological Cancer Here’s what most people with urological cancer are likely to notice. Some people with urological cancer are asymptomatic, while others experience severe symptoms. Blood in the Urine Also called hematuria, blood in the urine is often considered an early sign of bladder cancer. In some cases, the urine turns pink or red with visible blood drops. In others, the blood may be too little in amount to be seen without a microscope. People with hematuria usually do not consider it a major issue because it happens occasionally, and it may not cause any pain. While blood in the urine may not always indicate a serious medical issue, it’s always best to have yourself checked. Painless Lump In men, testicular cancer can lead to a painless lump with a visible swelling in one or both testes. The scrotum might feel heavier. In some cases, the lump occurs with pain. It’s important to notice changes in your testicular appearance and see a professional if you notice anything unusual. This cancer can grow quickly and aggressively. Unexplained Weight Loss If you have been losing weight without trying, it could be an early sign of cancer. If unexplained weight loss is accompanied by urological issues, like inability to pass urine, an urge to urinate often, or pain and burning sensation while urinating, it’s best to get checked for urological. Less Common Symptoms Fatigue Your body tends to burn energy faster when it’s fighting off a disease. As a result, you are likely to feel tired and extremely weak. If you feel unusually tired or notice anything off about your energy levels, it’s time to see a healthcare expert. Lower Back Pain A most notable sign of kidney cancer is pain in the lower back, just beneath the ribs. Sadly, the pain only crops up when the tumor has grown bigger. You could have dull or sharp pain. There’s no way to know whether the pain in the back is associated with other non-critical issues or a chronic disease, which is why it’s best to see a urologist to rule out urological cancer as a potential cause. Recurrent UTIs Frequent episodes of urinary tract infections can signal an underlying issue, possibly a urological cancer. Although UTIS can occur due to poor hygiene, low immunity, and other factors, if you have been getting them frequently, it’s best to consult with a doctor. Depending on the type and aggressiveness of the cancer, a urologist may recommend a combination of treatment plans that help slow its progress and kill the cancer cells before they reach an advanced stage.

Effects of Aging on the Kidneys and Bladder

Our kidneys have the potential to filter a considerable amount of blood every hour. That’s just for people with healthy kidneys, though. The kidneys create urine from excess water and waste in the body, which passes from the ureters to the bladder and is eventually expelled through the urethra. By doing so, these two bean-shaped organs maintain a perfect balance of essential minerals and salt levels. The question is, what effects does aging have on our kidneys? Let’s find out. How Aging Affects Kidney Function Experts believe that by the time you turn 70, your kidneys will lose 30-40 percent of their blood filtering capacity. This applies to most people, including those without any underlying kidney diseases. Additionally, kidneys may shrink with age. This can further affect their filtering capacity. Kidneys that do not filter blood at a normal rate are more vulnerable to chronic kidney disease than healthy kidneys. The good news is that kidney function declines gradually, and at a very slow pace. You just need to follow a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritious and balanced diet, and maintain your overall health to keep your kidneys healthy. How Aging Affects Bladder Function Here’s how aging affects your bladder function: Increased Urge to Urinate: Older people experience a sudden urge to urinate, particularly at night. This can increase the risk of leakage and, in some cases, accidents. Weakened Bladder: With age, your bladder wall muscles may become weaker, making you more prone to urinary incontinence. Your bladder might also not empty properly, which in turn causes frequent urges to urinate. Urinary Tract Infections: The above issues, particularly the bladder’s inability to empty properly, can make you more prone to urinary tract infections. It provides a perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive. Aging can make your bladder feel stiffer than usual, making it less effective at holding urine. This means you may have to urinate more frequently. It also makes you more vulnerable to urinary tract infections. In men, particularly, an enlarged prostate can affect their urinary function. Tips for Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy You can maintain your kidneys’ health despite aging. These tips will help: Stay Hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to flush out toxins. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before increasing your fluid intake. Keep Your Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Under Control: Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension can harm your kidneys in the long run. Make sure these conditions (if you have them) are managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Eat a Healthy Diet: Add kidney-friendly foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, to your diet. Avoid excessive protein, processed foods, and those high in salt and sugar. Exercise: Indulge in regular physical exercise to stay fit, manage your weight, and keep your blood pressure under control. Aging doesn’t just cause wrinkled skin, fatigue, and other obvious symptoms. It also affects your internal organs, including the kidneys and bladder. It’s important to watch for unusual symptoms, such as increased urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine (hematuria), and consult a urologist.

How does Robotic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy Work?

Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure that’s usually performed in people with kidney cancer or a diseased kidney. It’s also performed to take the healthy kidney out for transplantation. The surgery can be performed as an open surgery or robot-assisted nephrectomy. The latter is a more preferred, less-invasive, and an advanced surgical procedure. Whether you need robotic partial nephrectomy (removing a portion of the kidney) or complete kidney removal, it’s important to consult an experienced surgeon who’s familiar with robotic technology. Here’s all you should know about robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. What is Partial Nephrectomy? If only a portion of your kidney is damaged, your surgeon might recommend removing the diseased part while leaving the remaining healthy kidney intact. This preserves your kidney function and might eliminate the need for transplantation. In a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, a surgeon uses robotic arms to make precise cuts through small holes. The surgery results in lesser blood loss, lower risk of complications, and greater precision. This ensures faster recovery. When is Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Needed? Nephrectomy (whether partial or complete) is recommended when a patient is diagnosed with kidney cancer or has a non-cancerous mass that could be affecting their kidney function. If you have a kidney tumor less than 4 cm, you might be a good candidate for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. It’s also a highly recommended procedure for patients who want a less-invasive surgical procedure to remove part of the kidney. Patients with advanced-stage kidney cancer or other medical conditions might be unfit for the surgery. Advantages of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Here are the benefits of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: Better Precision Robotic tools offer better precision compared to humans. They offer a wider range of movements and can make precise cuts. This is particularly beneficial for patients opting for partial nephrectomy, as the robot’s precision ensures that only the damaged tissues are removed. Besides, the 3D view of the patients\’ internal organs makes the surgery more effective and easier for the surgeon. Faster Recovery The surgery involves fewer and smaller incisions than a traditional open nephrectomy, which means you can expect a quicker recovery. Compared to a 6-12-inch long incision in an open surgery, robot-assisted nephrectomy involves 2-3 tiny holes that are less than an inch long. It also makes an excellent choice for patients who do not want a large scar for cosmetic reasons Less Blood Loss Excessive blood loss during open surgery can lead to the requirement for blood transfusion and a slower recovery. With a robot-assisted procedure, the risk is significantly reduced. Smaller surgical holes with the robot’s precision prevent unnecessary damage to the blood vessels, leading to comparatively lesser blood loss than traditional surgery. Lesser Pain Robot-assisted nephrectomy doesn’t cause severe tissue or nerve damage, which explains the lesser pain after the surgery. Unlike open surgery, you may not need to rely on heavy pain-killers in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.See the best kidney cancer surgeon in Navi Mumbai to discuss the risks and benefits of robot-assisted nephrectomy. They will help you prepare for the procedure.

Understanding and Combating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

With age, the prostate gland that sits right beneath the bladder tends to get bigger. Although it’s not a medical emergency, you may need benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment in Navi Mumbai to live a healthy and normal life. In this post, we’ll take a detailed look at BPH, its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Your prostate produces semen. It’s located near the urethra. If it gets bigger, it might block your urethra, which might prevent you from urinating. The condition might affect a man’s urinary tract, causing a series of urinary issues, like difficulty peeing, a weak urine stream, frequent urination, and incontinence. BPH usually develops in men above 55. Although it’s non-cancerous and doesn’t directly increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, the symptoms of prostate cancer can be mistaken for BPH, which is why thorough evaluation is always necessary. What Are the Warning Signs of Enlarged Prostate? The symptoms might get worse over time and can vary from patient to patient. Here’s what people with enlarged prostate report: The size of the prostate doesn’t affect the severity of the symptoms. People with an extremely enlarged prostate might notice manageable symptoms or no symptoms at all, while those with a slightly enlarged prostate might have major symptoms. Common Risk Factors for BPH Although anyone can develop BPH, here are a few factors that increase your risk: Combating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Here’s what may help prevent BPH: Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Your doctor may recommend oral medication to shrink the prostate\’s size. Certain lifestyle changes, like a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, can manage your symptoms. For more severe cases, BPH surgery in Navi Mumbai might be necessary. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is one of the commonly performed surgical procedures for an enlarged prostate. The surgery involves guiding a resectoscope through the urethra to remove prostate tissues. Transurethral Incision of the Prostate is another possible treatment, which enlarges the urethra to ensure uninterrupted urine flow. Conclusion Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common issue in older men. Watchful waiting is usually recommended for patients who do not experience severe symptoms. If it’s affecting your quality of life, you may want to discuss suitable treatment options with your healthcare provider.

10 Causes of UTI in Males

It might be less common, but men can get urinary tract infections, too. A man’s urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urine passes from your kidneys to the bladder through the ureters. It travels down the bladder to the penis through urethra. UTI occurs when any part of the male’s urinary tract gets infected with bad bacteria. It’s important to seek UTI treatment in Navi Mumbai if you experience a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, pain below the abdomen, blood in the urine, and other symptoms. Top 10 causes of UTIs in males 1. Poor hygiene Bad bacteria can enter your urethra and travel to the bladder and kidneys if you don’t follow basic hygiene practices. Simple tips like washing the genitals with clean water after using the washroom or having sexual intercourse can prevent bacteria from reaching the urethra. 2. Enlarged Prostate (BPH) An enlarged prostate is common in older men. If you have an enlarged prostate, your bladder might not empty fully after passing urine, thus creating a perfect place for the bacteria to thrive. 3. Kidney Stones Kidney stones can also block urine flow, causing immense pain and resulting in excess urine in the bladder. This makes your bladder a breeding ground for bacteria. 4. Catheter Use A catheter helps empty the bladder. It’s used in men who can’t urinate on their own because of a medical condition. Having a catheter for a long duration can increase your risk of UTI, specifically if it’s not kept clean. 5. Unprotected Sex Unprotected sex not only exposes you to sexually transmitted infections, but it can also cause UTIs in men. Bacteria E. coli, which are found in human feces, can reach the urethra during intercourse and might travel up the urinary tract, causing an infection. The risk is particularly higher for men who have anal sex. 6. Diabetes Men with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a heightened risk of catching UTIs due to a weakened immune system. 7. Dehydration Dehydration can make your urine concentrate. This means fewer visits to the washroom, which may eventually make you more vulnerable to UTIs. 8. Weakened Immunity Men with weakened immunity, whether due to a chronic illness or other medical reasons, might also get UTIs easily. Weakened immune system makes your body less effective in fighting off bacteria. 9. Bladder issues Neurogenic bladder, structural bladder deformities, or medications that can negatively interfere with your bladder function can make you more vulnerable to UTIs. If your bladder malfunctions, it won’t be able to expel pee properly, creating a perfect environment for bacterial growth. 10. Past infections Men with a history of UTIs might get it again, specifically those who haven’t addressed the underlying cause of the infection. Prevention Tips A urologist in Navi Mumbai recommends these preventive strategies to mitigate your risk of getting urinary tract infections. Talk to a urologist to learn more about preventive strategies for urinary infections.

Symptoms of Stage 1 Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland, an essential part of the male reproductive system, is responsible for making fluid that’s ejaculated with semen through the penis. The abnormal growth of the cells in your prostate can result in a tumor. The question is, what are the symptoms of stage 1 prostate cancer, and when should you see a prostate cancer specialist in Navi Mumbai? In this post, we’ve listed the common early signs of prostate cancer that every male, particularly those above 50, should be aware of. Understanding Stage 1 Prostate Cancer Stage 1 prostate cancer is localized to your prostate, meaning it doesn’t spread beyond the prostate. Early detection makes treatment more favorable for the patient, as cancer at the first stage is usually confined to the prostate. The tumor is more minor, slow-growing, and highly treatable at this stage. Prostate cancer, like other cancers, does not show any noticeable symptoms at the first stage. It can be diagnosed during your routine healthcare checkup, but symptoms-wise, there’s nothing very unusual that may encourage you to visit a urologist. That said, some men do experience changes in their prostate health. Although they don’t certainly mean you have cancer, it’s best to consult a doctor if you notice these signs. Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Here’s what can indicate prostate cancer: 1) Changes in Your Urination Pattern: You might experience many urination issues, like difficulty starting the flow, frequent urination, weak urine flow, pain or a burning sensation while urinating, and hematuria. Since the prostate surrounds the urethra, a cancer in the prostate can affect your urination pattern. However, these changes are mostly noticeable when the tumor has grown in size and spread to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. 2) Pelvic Pain: Although it’s usually associated with an advanced stage of prostate cancer, pelvic pain can occur in patients with prostate inflammation or BPH (prostate enlargement) in the first stage. Pelvic pain that remains persistent and occurs with blood in the urine, frequent urination, and other unusual symptoms need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Other Warning Signs Symptoms of prostate cancer at the early stage are often related to the changes in urination pattern, but a few other cancer signs that are often confused with other prostate-related issues include: Importance of Regular Check-ups Routine screening is the most crucial step for older men who are at increased risk of prostate cancer. A digital rectal exam (DRE), for instance, can help your doctor identify any unusual lumps or prostate enlargement at an early stage. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is another common way to detect cancer. PSA is a protein produced by a healthy and cancerous prostate. Elevated levels of this prostate can indicate cancer, although the high levels are also linked to benign conditions, like prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Based on your results, your doctor will tell you whether you need to go for prostate cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai.

Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Stone

Bladder stones are hard deposits made up of the minerals found in your urine. They are more common in those above 50, although people of any age group can develop bladder stones. Your bladder is responsible for holding your urine, which contains many substances. These can, sometimes, stick together to form a mass (called a stone). In this post, we’ll take a look at the symptoms of urinary bladder stones and the signs you should see a uro-surgeon in Navi Mumbai for medical intervention. Let’s get started. Common Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Stone Urinary bladder stones may not cause any symptoms if they are extremely tiny in size. They may pass automatically through urination, and the patient might not know they’ve had them, but that happens very rarely. In most cases, the stones can cause a vast range of symptoms. Here are the most common ones: a) Pain in the Lower Abdomen: You might feel persistent pain in your lower abdomen, which can be dull or sharp. It can get intense when you urinate. The pain often occurs when the stone moves around inside the bladder. b) Pain While Urinating and Changes in its Frequency: People describe it as a sharp, burning sensation when they pee. This happens because the stones irritate your bladder\’s lining, making it difficult to empty. It may also cause an urge to urinate frequently, sometimes even right after you\’ve just used the bathroom. c) Changes in Urine Color and Odor: People with bladder stones report cloudy and dark-colored urine. The stones can irritate the bladder’s wall, which may lead to blood stains in the urine. This is called hematuria. If you notice pink or red urine coupled with other symptoms, it’s best to get evaluated by a urologist. Changes in the urine can also point to other health issues. It can simply be the food you’ve eaten or a more serious cause. Less Common Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Stone i) Changes in the Urination Flow: Maintaining a proper urination flow can be challenging if you have bladder stones. As they move around, they might obstruct the urethra and then unblock it, which can suddenly start or abruptly stop urination. ii) Incontinence: In an advanced case where the stone has gotten bigger, it can cause urine leakage. The stone might press against the bladder lining and result in incontinence. iii) Urinary Tract Infections: If you experience frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), bladder stones might be a contributing factor. These stones create a viable environment for bacteria to grow and multiply, causing multiple episodes of UTIs. Symptoms include fever, chills, pain while urinating, and hematuria. When to Seek Medical Attention The symptoms of bladder stones are often confused with UTIs and other urinary issues. It’s important to see a urologist for bladder stone treatment in Navi Mumbai if the pain gets worse or the other symptoms persist. Get to the doctor immediately if you notice blood in the urine, cloudy urine, and fever. This could indicate an infection. Treatment options include cystolitholapaxy, a minimally invasive way to remove the stone by breaking it into small pieces, which are flushed out through special devices. Larger ones require surgical removal.

Author name: Dr. Soumyan Dey