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

• 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.
  

Lower Extremity Edema

Edema refers to a condition that is often associated with accumulation of fluids in the tissues. It is predominantly caused because of an inflamed or infected tissue. The nature and type of edema caused can depend on various reasons such as trauma, infections or hereditary diseases. Edema is prominently noticed in few areas of the body especially in the legs. In most cases edema is also associated with an existing cardiac or renal condition. The edema associated with vital organs is because of fluid retention. Edema of the lower extremities is often associated with disorders of the vital organs or sometimes because of any prolonged activity such as standing or even sitting.

Fluid electrolyte balance is an important factor in understanding various edematous conditions, especially pertaining to lower extremities. In many cases, it is because of an inflammatory response to the trauma caused to a tissue or an internal organ. Other factors such as urinary infections and cystitis, which are common renal diseases, cause edema in the legs. It is essential to classify the type of edema in order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Physicians upon general examination and history of the patient can evaluate the edema in to two - pitting and non-pitting.

Pitting edema of the lower extremities is often associated with indentation to the edematous region for a specific amount of time upon applying pressure. Non-pitting edema does not show indentation. Characteristic pitting edema is generally bilateral in nature. Infections caused by Streptococcus especially rheumatoid arthritis cases present prominent edematous appearances. Sometimes, Gout's disease and cellulitis cause edema of the legs. The physiology associated with all these medical conditions have common diagnostic affirmations related to fluid electrolyte balance. Another important factor associated with edema is the protein intake. Higher protein intake can lead to increased uric acid levels causing edema. Decreased protein intake in conditions such as nephrotic syndrome and starvation can lead to edema.

The production of endothelin protein is prominent in edematous conditions. The relevance to this protein production is an important factor for the onset of hydrostatic condition leading to increase systolic pressure causing arterial vasoconstriction. A cascade of metabolic changes occur because of this condition leading to disturbances in renin Angiotensin mechanism and also increased capillary permeability.

The common treatment options for treating edema are the administration of diuretics and vasodilators. In case of infections of bacterial and fungal origin, antibiotics are given to facilitate prophylaxis. Coumadin and Flavonoids are used as therapeutics in addition to vasodilators. Surgical interventions such as liposuction also benefit the patient to a larger extent.