General Urology

Each year, our urologists treat thousands of patients. They diagnose and treat a full range of urological diseases, conditions and problems.

Many patients come to us for advice regarding the following symptoms that are often indicative of a urological problem:

• haematuria (blood in the urine)
• severe flank pain, on either the left or right side This is sometimes accompanied by vomiting or fever
• urine incontinence
• inability to urinate, either sudden onset or a more gradual presentation
• infections
• abnormal blood values, such as an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level
• problematic foreskin
• male sterilisation

If available: please bring previous radiological imaging or urine and blood results, as well as a referral letter from your GP or internist.

At your first visit, you may expect:

• a review of your medical history and your referral letter
• a physical examination
• additional testing (if necessary)

For your convenience, all additional radiological, urine and blood tests can be performed at the main campus of the Maria Middelares General Hospital, as well as at the St Vincent General Hospital in Deinze and the Maria Middelares Medical Centre in Ghent-Bruges. Other more specialised tests (such as a MRI or bone scan) can only be provided at Maria Middelares General Hospital. Most additional tests are non-invasive or minimally invasive.

After your urologist has been able to provide you with a diagnosis, he or she will discuss various treatment options with you:

• together with you, a personalised treatment plan will be developed that takes into consideration your specific symptoms;
• or you will be referred to a colleague who has further expertise in the condition you have.

Many general urological conditions respond well to treatment with medication or other 'conservative' (non-surgical) treatments.

Our urologists are also specialised in the following sub-disciplines:

• genital-urinary cancers
• kidney and ureter stones
• urinary symptoms and urinary incontinence
• prostate problems (e.g. cancer or an enlarged prostate)
• female urology and vaginal prolapse
• erection and libido problems
• reconstructive urology (recuperation after urological trauma)

We strive to provide personalised care in a comfortable environment, as well as personalised treatment and follow-up.

Our department offers high-tech testing and treatments, such as:

• examination rooms that are equipped for minimally invasive tests or treatments
• complex diagnostic testing available on-site, such as urodynamics, hormone testing, cycstocopy and prostate biopsy
• treatment of erectile dysfunction and hormone problems in a comfortable environment
• laser treatments
• renal stone crusher
• minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic as well as robot-assisted surgery

Most testing can also be performed using local anaesthetic

The Urology Department continuously strives to offer an outstanding base level of urological care. Above and beyond this base level, it focusses on continuous scientific evaluation and improvements in urological care. Several colleagues on our team, including urologists, residents, assistants and nurses, regularly participate in scientific clinical studies in order to improve urological care.

If your urological problems are associated with one of the topics that we are researching, you may be asked if you are interested in participating in a study. You will never be included in a study without your express permission. There is also no obligation to participate. We guarantee that people who are not interested in participating will still receive gold-standard treatment and care.