Urology

What is urology? Urology is a branch of medicine which deal with disease of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. The following are the main areas of urological practice.

1. Stones of the urinary tract viz. kidney, ureter, bladder
2. Cancers of the urinary tract viz. kidney, bladder, prostate, testis
3. Disorders of voiding or urodynamics. Prostatic disease is a common cause of this in man above the age of 55 years
4. Female urology e.g. urinary incontinence
5. Congenital disorders e.g. hypospadias, undescended testis, reflux
6. Male subfertility
7. Sexual dysfunction
8. Kidney transplantation
9. Surgical access for dialysis
10. Infections of the urinary tract

When compared to UK, there is a higher incidence of stone disease and bladder cancer in Malaysia. Treatment of stone often involves endourology (endoscopic techniques to remove stone) or lithotripsy [intra-corporeal or extra-corporeal, shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)].

Obstruction of the urinary tract inquires urgent treatment. Such conditions include obstruction by stones, PUJ or pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction, bladder outlet obstruction by prostatic enlargement or urethral stricture.

A urologist is a doctor who specialises in the field of urology. In Malaysia this involves at least 4 years of specialist training in a department of urology. The Malaysian doctor typically enters the urology training programme after completion of housemanship (1 year.), 3 years of compulsory government service, and after passing the specialist surgical examination (e.g. FRCS, Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeon or Masters of Surgery) a few years later.

The Malaysian Urological Association (MUA) was registered [registration number 1455 (Selangor)] on 23 July 1974. Its registered address is Institute of Urology, Nephrology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The main objectives of the Association are:

1. To advance the art and science of Urology.
2. To cultivate and maintain the highest principles of urological practice and ethics.
3. To promote and encourage the development and practice of Urology in the country.
4. To encourage postgraduate training in Urology at the hospitals and elsewhere and to provide for the holding of classes, lectures and meetings and other means of instructing, members and others in the science and art of Urology.
5. To promote research in Urology and in any other related branch of science or learning for the purpose of improving the practice of Urology.
6. To establish cordial relationships with similar Urological and other bodies in other countries on condition that prior approval must be obtained from the Minister of Home Affairs.

Full membership is open to all surgeons in Malaysia who practise urology exclusively. The executive committee consists of the President, Vice President, secretary, treasurer and three committee members.

Since 1991, the MUA has been organising an annual scientific meeting. The 7th Malaysian Urological Meeting is to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 28th – 30th November 1997.