Urology Glossary
Anus
-opening at the end of the digestive tract where bowel
contents leave the body.
Balloon urethroplasty
- a thin tube with a balloon is inserted into the opening of
the penis and guided to the narrowed portion of the urethra,
where the balloon is inflated to widen the urethra and ease
the flow of urine.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
(Also called BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy.)
- an enlargement of the prostate caused by disease or
inflammation. It is not cancer, but its symptoms are often
similar to those of prostate cancer.
Biopsy
- a procedure in which tissue samples are
removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for
examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or
other abnormal cells are present.
Bladder
-a triangle-shaped, hollow organ located in the lower
abdomen that holds urine. It is held in place by ligaments
that are attached to other organs and the pelvic bones. The
bladder's walls relax and expand to store urine, and
contract and flatten to empty urine through the urethra.
Bladder instillation (Also called a
bladder wash or bath.) - the
bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying
periods of time, from a few seconds to 15 minutes, before
being drained through a catheter.
Computed tomography scan (Also
called a CT or CAT scan.) - a
diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of
x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional
images (often called slices), both horizontally and
vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of
any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and
organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
Cystocele
- a hernia-like disorder in women that occurs when the wall
between the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the
bladder to drop or sag into the vagina.
Cystoscopy (Also called
cystourethroscopy.) - an
examination in which a scope, a flexible tube and viewing
device, is inserted through the urethra to examine the
bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or
obstructions, such as tumors or stones.
Cystourethrogram (Also
called a voiding cystogram.) - a
specific x-ray that examines the urinary tract. A catheter
(hollow tube) is placed in the urethra (tube that drains
urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and the
bladder is filled with a liquid dye. X-ray images will be
taken as the bladder fills and empties. The images will show
if there is any reverse flow of urine into the ureters and
kidneys.
Dialysis
- a medical procedure to remove wastes and
additional fluid from the blood after the kidneys have
stopped functioning.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
- a procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger
into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland
for signs of cancer.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- a procedure that records the brain's continuous electrical
activity by means of electrodes attached to the scalp.
Enuresis
- involuntary discharge of urine usually during sleep at
night; bedwetting beyond the age when bladder control should
have been established.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
- use of the female hormone estrogen to replace that which
the body no longer produces naturally after medical or
surgical menopause. Extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) -
use of a machine to send shock waves directly to the kidney
stone to break a large stone into smaller stones that will
pass through the urinary system.
Functional incontinence
- leakage of urine due to a difficulty reaching a restroom
in time because of physical conditions such as arthritis.
Glomerulonephritis - a type of
glomerular kidney disease in which the kidneys' filters
become inflamed and scarred, and slowly lose their ability
to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make
urine.
Glomerulosclerosis - the term used
to describe scarring that occurs within the kidneys in the
small balls of tiny blood vessels called the glomeruli. The
glomeruli assist the kidneys in filtering urine from the
blood.
Goodpasture syndrome
- A rare, autoimmune disease that can affect the lungs and
kidneys.
Hematuria
- the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
- a rare kidney disorder that mostly affects children under
the age of 10. It is often characterized by: damage to the
lining of blood vessel walls, destruction of red blood
cells, and/or kidney failure.
Hydronephrosis
- a condition that occurs as a result of urine accumulation
in the upper urinary tract. This usually occurs from a
blockage somewhere along the urinary tract.
Impotence (Also called erectile
dysfunction.) - the inability to
achieve or maintain an erection.
Interstitial cystitis
- a complex, chronic disorder characterized by an inflamed
or irritated bladder wall.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
- a series of x-rays of the kidney, ureters, and bladder
with the injection of a contrast dye into the vein - to
detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any
obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow.
Kidney stone - a solid piece of
material that forms from crystallization of excreted
substances in the urine.
Kidney transplantation - a
procedure that places a healthy kidney from one person into
a recipient's body.
Kidneys -
a pair of bean-shaped organs located below the ribs toward
the middle of the back.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- a diagnostic procedure that uses
a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a
computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures
within the body.
Nephrectomy
- surgery to remove the kidney; the most
common treatment for kidney cancer.
Nephritis
- inflammation of the kidneys.
Nephrology - the medical specialty
concerned with diseases of the kidneys.
Nephrotic syndrome
- a condition characterized by high levels of
protein in the urine, low levels of protein in the blood,
tissue swelling, and high cholesterol.
Neurogenic bladder (Also called
neuropathic bladder.) - a bladder
disorder that can be caused by a tumor or other condition of
the nervous system.
Overflow incontinence
- leakage of urine that occurs when the quantity of urine
produced exceeds the bladder's capacity to hold it.
Partial nephrectomy
- surgery to remove the kidney; only the part of the kidney
that contains the tumor is removed.
Penis
-the outer reproductive organ of a male.
Pessary -
a device placed in the vagina to hold the bladder in place
or to treat a prolapsed uterus.
Peyronie's disease - A plaque, or
hard lump, that forms on the erection tissue of the penis.
The plaque often begins as an inflammation that may develop
into a fibrous tissue.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous
cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys.
Premature ejaculation (PE)
- the inability to maintain an erection
long enough for mutual satisfaction.
Priapism
- inflammation of the penis.
Prostatalgia
- pain in the prostate gland.
Prostate
- a sex gland in men. It is about the size of a walnut, and
surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra, the tube that
carries urine from the bladder. It is partly muscular and
partly glandular, with ducts opening into the prostatic
portion of the urethra. It is made up of three lobes: a
center lobe with one lobe on each side.
Prostatectomy
- surgical procedure for the partial or
complete removal of the prostate.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
- an antigen made by the prostate gland and found in the
blood; may indicate cancer in the prostate gland.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
blood test - a blood test used to
help detect prostate cancer by measuring a substance called
prostate-specific antigen produced by the prostate.
Prostatism
- any condition of the prostate that causes interference
with the flow of urine from the bladder.
Prostatitis
- an inflamed condition of the prostate gland that may be
accompanied by discomfort, pain, frequent urination,
infrequent urination, and, sometimes, fever.
Proteinuria
- large amounts of protein in the urine.
Rectum
-lower end of the large intestine, leading to the anus.
Renal angiography (Also called
renal arteriography.) - a series
of x-rays of the renal blood vessels with the injection of a
contrast dye into a catheter, which is placed into the blood
vessels of the kidney; to detect any signs of blockage or
abnormalities affecting the blood supply to the kidneys.
Renal ultrasound
- a non-invasive test in which a transducer is passed over
the kidney producing sound waves which bounce off of the
kidney, transmitting a picture of the organ on a video
screen. The test is used to determine the size and shape of
the kidney, and to detect a mass, kidney stone, cyst, or
other obstruction or abnormalities.
scrotum
-the bag of skin that holds the testicles.
sperm disorders
- problems with the production and maturation
of sperm; the single most common cause of male infertility.
Sperm may be immature, abnormally shaped, unable to move
properly, or, normal sperm may be produced in abnormally low
numbers (oligospermia).
sphincter muscles
- circular muscles that help keep urine from
leaking by closing tightly like a rubber band around the
opening of the bladder.
stress incontinence
- the most common type of incontinence that involves the
leakage of urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing,
laughing, lifting heavy objects, or other body movements
that put pressure on the bladder.
testis
-one of the pair of male gonads that produce semen;
suspended in the scrotum by the spermatic cords.
transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS) - a method of
providing pain relief using electrical signals which are
sent to the nerve endings.
Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate
- a test using sound wave echoes to create an
image of an organ or gland to visually inspect for abnormal
conditions like gland enlargement, nodules, penetration of
tumor through capsule of the gland and/or invasion of
seminal vesicles. It may also be used for guidance of needle
biopsies of the prostate gland and guiding the nitrogen
probes in cryosurgery.
Transurethral surgery
- surgery in which no external incision is needed. For
prostate transurethral surgery, the surgeon reaches the
prostate by inserting an instrument through the urethra. See
below for different types of transurethral surgery.
transurethral hyperthermia - an investigative procedure that uses heat, usually provided by microwaves, to shrink the prostate.
transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) - a procedure that widens the urethra by making some small cuts in the bladder neck, where the urethra joins the bladder, and in the prostate gland itself.
transurethral laser incision of the prostate (TULIP) - the use of laser through the urethra that melts the tissue.
transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - a surgical procedure by which portions of the prostate gland are removed through the penis.
Tunnel surgery (Also
called percutaneous nephrolithotomy.)
- a small cut is made in the patient's back and a narrow
tunnel is made through the skin to the stone inside the
kidney. The physician can remove the stone through this
tunnel.
ultrasound (Also called sonography.)
- a diagnostic imaging technique
which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to
create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.
Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they
function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
urea -
the nitrogen part of urine produced from the breakdown of
protein.
ureterocele
- the portion of the ureter closest to the
bladder becomes enlarged because the ureter opening is very
tiny and obstructs urine outflow; urine backs up in the
ureter tube.
ureteroscope
- an optical device which is inserted into the urethra and
passed up through the bladder to the ureter; to inspect the
opening of the ureters.
ureters -
two narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the
bladder.
urethra -
narrow channel through which urine passes from the bladder
out of the body.
urethritis
- infection limited to the urethra.
urge incontinence
- the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a
restroom. It is often found in people who have conditions
such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and
multiple sclerosis, but may be an indication of other
diseases or conditions that would also warrant medical
attention.
urinalysis
- laboratory examination of urine for various cells and
chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells,
infection, or excessive protein.
urinary incontinence
- the loss of bladder control.
urinary tract infection (UTI)
- an infection that occurs in the urinary tract; often
caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli. A urinary tract
infection often causes frequent urination, pain, and burning
when urinating, and blood in the urine.
urine flow study
- a test in which the patient urinates into a special device
that measures how quickly the urine is flowing. A reduced
flow may suggest benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
urology -
the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary tract in
both genders, and with the genital tract or reproductive
system in the male.
urogenital
- refers to the urinary and reproductive systems.
vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
- the abnormal flow of urine from the bladder back into the
ureters; often as a result of a urinary tract infection or
birth defect.
