Urologist
An urologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Urologists are meant to be surgeons who have specialized in the aforesaid field. Urologists specialize in treating diseases related to the kidney, uterus, urinary bladder, male reproductive organs and urethra. Urologists have to complete medical school followed by one year internship and then followed by specialization of three years in the field of urology. They can further attain qualifications in sub-specialties such as pediatric urology, female urology, neurourology etc.
Tasks of an urologist
Urologists mainly focus on:
- Prescribe medications for urinary infections. In women, urogynecologists treat problems related to the reproductive systems in women.
- Perform surgeries for urinary infections.
- Treat problems such as incontinence (holding back urine).
- Give treatment for urinary stones.
- Treat impotence in men and any other related problem with the reproductive organs of men such as infertility.
- Conduct renal transplants (kidney transplantation).
Latest techniques employed in the field of urology
Modern technologies have seen the use of:
- Ultrasound and various other diagnostic imaging techniques are used to detect stones in the bladder. They give clear picture of the bladder and its contents.
- Cytoscope is used to study the bladder in detail thereby giving a clear picture of any disorder present.
Spinal Cord Injury
Myelopathy or spinal cord injury is a problem in the spinal cord that causes numbness and loss of motor (muscular) control. Spinal cord injuries can be caused due to trauma such as accident and falls and Disease caused due to spina bifida, polio, tumors etc. The effect of spinal cord injuries be Complete (total function and sensation is lost below the injured point) or Incomplete (Sensation is not lost and only few functions of the part suffers malfunctioning).
Spinal cord injuries in general occur due to the following:
- Road accident, either car or motorcycle
- Injuries caused due to sports
- Gunshot wounds
- Stabbing with knife
- Fall from an elevated structure
- Accidents while diving
Symptoms of spinal cord injury include weakness, numbness and reduced synchronization from beneath the point of the injury. There is loss of feelings and tingling sensation. There may be excessive pain or loss of bladder or bowel control. Quadriplegia is an injury at the neck level of the spine and induces difficulty in breathing and paralyzes the arms, legs and trunk. Paraplegia is an injury to the lower spine and results in weakness and loss of mobility and feeling in the legs and the lower part of the body.
- Corticosteroid drugs are prescribed to ease the injury and perk up chances of healing.
- Surgery is required for severe cases of damage.
- Complete bed rest is required during the recovery period.
- Traction might be suggested depending on the case.
- Additional treatment for bladder control, urinary infections and bed sore is required.
- Muscles have to be strengthened through physiotherapy.
Prevention of spinal cord injuries
- Driving or riding at safe speed limits and following rules thus avoiding traumatic road accidents.
- Do not resort in violence, assault and physical fights that can lead to gun shots or knife wounds.
- Keep floor dry so as to prevent falls and when working from a height take all precautionary measures to safe guard your spine.
- In sports, use the right equipments and gears, and do not over do any activity.
Bibliography / Reference
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