Urology, also known as genitourinary surgery, is a specialised field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and surgical management of diseases affecting the urinary system and disorders of the male reproductive organs. It covers conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, prostate disorders and male infertility.
What is Urology?
Urology is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the male and female urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Additionally, it encompasses disorders related to the male reproductive system, such as conditions affecting the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate. Given that urinary and reproductive health concerns can affect individuals of all ages and genders, maintaining optimal urologic health is essential.
Recognized as a surgical specialty, urology requires a multidisciplinary approach. Urologists possess expertise not only in surgery but also in internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and other medical fields. This is because they manage a broad spectrum of complex conditions ranging from infections and kidney stones to cancer and infertility.
The field of urology is vast, and the American Urological Association (AUA) has classified it into seven key subspecialties:
- Pediatric Urology – Focuses on urinary and genital conditions in children.
- Urologic Oncology – Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancers, such as prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer.
- Renal (Kidney) Transplantation – Involves the surgical replacement of a diseased kidney with a healthy donor organ.
- Male Infertility – Addresses reproductive health issues and treatments for male infertility.
- Urinary Tract Stones (Calculi) – Manages kidney and urinary stones, including prevention and treatment.
- Female Urology – Deals with urinary disorders in women, including incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Neurourology – Focuses on conditions involving the nervous system’s control over urinary and genital functions.
Urology plays a vital role in overall health, as many urological conditions can significantly impact quality of life. With continuous advancements in medical technology and treatment approaches, urologists provide innovative solutions to enhance patient outcomes and well-being.
Reasons you might see a urologist
If you are experiencing issues related to your urinary or reproductive health, it may be time to consult a urologist. Whether through a direct appointment or a referral from your primary care physician, seeking specialized care can help diagnose and manage underlying conditions effectively. Consider seeing a urologist if you have any of the following concerns:
- Difficulty Urinating – Struggling to start urination, weak urine flow, pain or discomfort while urinating, or noticing cloudy urine or blood in the urine.
- Changes in Urinary Patterns – Frequent urination, urgency, or the constant feeling of needing to urinate.
- Erectile Dysfunction – Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Male or Female Infertility – Challenges with conception that may require specialized evaluation and treatment.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women – A sensation of heaviness or the feeling that something is descending into the vaginal area.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain – Persistent discomfort or pain in the pelvic region.
- Urinary Incontinence – Unintentional urine leakage, particularly when sneezing, laughing, exercising, or during the night.
Urological issues can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Seeking early intervention from a qualified urology specialist ensures timely diagnosis and treatment, improving both health outcomes and quality of life.
What you can expect during your visit to a urologist?
When scheduling an appointment with a urologist, either on your own or through a referral from your primary care provider, it is important to be well-prepared. To make the most of your visit, consider bringing a list of symptoms, concerns, or questions related to your condition. Additionally, be ready to discuss your medical history and any medications you are currently taking.
During your consultation, the urologist may perform various diagnostic tests to assess your condition and determine the most effective treatment plan. These tests may include:
- Physical Examination – The exam will vary depending on your gender. For men, a digital rectal exam (DRE) may be conducted to evaluate the prostate. Women may require a pelvic examination to assess urological or gynecological concerns.
- Laboratory Tests – Your doctor may request urinalysis, blood tests, or semen analysis to check for infections, kidney function, hormone levels, or fertility-related concerns. Since a urine sample may be needed during your visit, drinking water beforehand can be helpful.
- Imaging Studies – Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or other imaging techniques may be used to detect abnormalities in the urinary tract or reproductive organs.
By understanding what to expect and preparing in advance, you can ensure a productive consultation, allowing your urologist to provide an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment strategy tailored to your needs.
Urology frequently asked questions
Why would you be referred to urology?
Symptoms may include difficulty initiating urination or experiencing a strong urine flow, pain during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, as well as changes such as increased frequency or a persistent urge to urinate. Additionally, there may be problems with achieving or maintaining an erection, and in some cases, infertility.
What are urology symptoms?
Pain or difficulty when urinating
Loss of bladder control
Blood in urine
Frequent urges to urinate
Enlarged prostate or hernia
Sexual health issues
Pain in lower abdomen, back, or groin
Prompt check-up helps ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What does an urology test do?
Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, pyelogram, or cystography help detect blockages, tumors, or abnormalities in the urinary tract.
Doctors
Get ready to meet our physician staff, each of whom is an expert in their own branch and stands out with years of experience and success. Our physicians, who adopt the best practices of modern medicine, to whom you can safely entrust your health, are here to offer special solutions for your individual needs.

Dr. Akin Ünal
General Surgeon
BIOGRAPHY
He was born in Istanbul in 1982. He graduated from Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine. In 2012, he worked as an emergency medical assistant at Taksim First Aid EAH.
Between 2013-2018, he specialized in general surgery at Haseki EAH. Then, between 2018-2020, he completed his compulsory service at Bitlis Tatvan State Hospital. Since 2020, with Dr. Hasan Lice, they have worked with the Sava team for bariatric surgeries. He is married and has two kids.

Dr. Hasan Lice
General Surgeon
BIOGRAPHY
He was born in 1967 in Istanbul. He completed primary, secondary, and high school in Istanbul. He graduated from Capa Medical Faculty in 1993.He worked as an assistant at Taksim Training and Research Hospital between 1994-1998. Between 1998 and 2012, he served on diagnosis and therapeutic solutions in General Surgery, Cancer Surgery, Laparoscopy Surgery, and Endoscopy in the 2nd Surgery Clinic at Haseki Training and Research Hospital. He is married and has 2 children. He speaks Turkish and English.

Prof.Dr. Hanifi Onalan
General Surgeon Assoc.
BIOGRAPHY
Education ;1992-1998 Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine1999-2004 Taksim Training and Research Hospital General Surgery Clinic Medical fields;Obesity treatment (Gastric balloon, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Botox)Gallbladder and bile duct surgeryBreast diseases and Breast surgeryAnal system diseases and surgery (haemorrhoids, anal fissure, perianal abscess and fistula surgery)Thyroid diseases and surgical treatmentHernia surgery (open and laparoscopic) (groin, umbilical, wound hernias)Colon, rectum, stomach diseases and surgical treatmentEndoscopic diagnosis and treatment interventions (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, peg)Memberships;Turkish Surgery AssociationNational Association of Trauma and Emergency SurgeryTurkish Medical AssociationTOSS ( Turkish Bariatric Surgery Association )IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of obesity and Metabolic disorders )Publications ;Can Postoperative Adhesions Be Prevented? The Effect of COX-2 Selective Inhibitor Rofecoxib on Intraabdominal Adhesion Model Experimental Study 19(4):145-149, 2005 Journal of Contemporary Surgery 2005 Osman YÜCEL, Yücel YANKOL, Ferda NİHAT KOKSOY, Hanifi ÖNALAN, Pelin AKBABA, Ayşenur AKYILDIZ İĞDEM Research Hospital 2nd General Surgery Clinic* and Pathology Laboratory**, IstanbulTractotomy and omentoplasty in a case of hepatic gunshot wounds A regional trauma and emergency surgery congress (international participation) 2001 A.Çelik, H. Önalan, N. Mecit, M.Er, O. YücelParenteral nutrition in patients undergoing resection for gis malignancies, early results National Surgery Congress 2002 Dr Demiray, Dr D.Gönüllü, Dr.H. Önalan, Dr S.Bilgiç, Dr F.N.Köksoy, Dr O.Yücel

Mehmet Köksal
Aesthetic Surgeon
BIOGRAPHY
He was born in Samsun in 1978. After graduating from Faculty of Medicine (Çapa Medicine) of the Istanbul University in 2003, he completed his 6-year residency training at Şişli, Etfal Training and Research Hospital Plastic Surgery Clinic and became a Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist.In 2008, he received training from world-renowned surgeons at the University of Plastic Surgery Clinic in the New York, United States and participated the surgeries together with the doctors from New York.He attended courses and congresses about topics such as Breast Aesthetics, Abdominal Aesthetics, Liposuction, Buttock Aesthetics, Rhinoplasty, Facial rejuvenation, Botox and Fillers.Between 2010 and 2012, he worked at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Ahi Evran University Kırşehir State Hospital. Kırşehir has carried out many surgeries and innovations that could not be done before in its history.It constantly improves itself by participating in congresses and meetings at homecountry and abroad every year.Op.Dr.Mehmet Köksal still works in a Private Clinic in Istanbul.He is a member of Turkish Medical Association, Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Association.

Prof. Dr. Rıfat Rasier
MD
BIOGRAPHY
During his medical education and specialization in ophthalmology, he attended Louisiana State University School of Medicine in the United States, Stadtisches Klinikum Kemperhof in Koblenz, Germany, and The Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College in England. In 2007, he received medical equivalence from the General Medical Council of England and became a fully registered doctor in England.
In addition to his ophthalmology education, he completed a master's program in Biomedical Engineering at Boğaziçi University in 2009.
Continuing his career development without slowing down, Rasier completed his specialization in Ophthalmology at Bilim University in 2010.
He fulfilled his mandatory service at Kırklareli State Hospital in 2012.
He attained the title of "Associate Professor" in the Department of Ophthalmology in 2016. He completed his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Boğaziçi University with a 4.0 GPA in 2017.
As a result of his work at the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory of Boğaziçi University, Rıfat Rasier developed a procedure for laser-welding incisions in the transparent layer of the eye during cataract surgery, thereby closing the incision without the need for sutures. Current cataract surgeries either leave incisions open or suture them. Laser tissue welding experiments yielded positive results in closing incisions without stitches, reducing infection risks and shortening operation times.
This work by Rıfat Rasier was published in an international book titled "Infrared Lasers for Corneal Tissue Welding."
Awards Received:
Best Publication Award, Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology, 2010: "Corneal Tissue Welding with Infrared Lasers of Different Wavelengths in Transparent Corneal Sections."
Best Publication Award, Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology, 2011: "VEGF and IL-8 Levels in Vitreous Fluid in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Resulting from Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment."
JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Turkey Award, First Prize in Medical and Medical Inventions, 2010.
Ministry of Industry, Teknogirişim Project Support, 2010.
Prof. Dr. Necati Tanyolaç Award for Projects and Research in Biomedical Engineering and Technologies during Master's or Doctorate Studies, 2017.
Second Prize for Best Scientific Poster, Turkish Ophthalmology Association National Congress, 2017. Academic Publications:
A. Number of articles published in international refereed journals: 22
B. Number of papers presented at international scientific meetings and published in proceedings: 10
C. Number of articles published in national refereed journals: 25
D. Number of papers presented at national scientific meetings and published in proceedings: 91
He fulfilled his mandatory service at Kırklareli State Hospital in 2012.
He attained the title of "Associate Professor" in the Department of Ophthalmology in 2016. He completed his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Boğaziçi University with a 4.0 GPA in 2017.
As a result of his work at the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory of Boğaziçi University, Rıfat Rasier developed a procedure for laser-welding incisions in the transparent layer of the eye during cataract surgery, thereby closing the incision without the need for sutures. Current cataract surgeries either leave incisions open or suture them. Laser tissue welding experiments yielded positive results in closing incisions without stitches, reducing infection risks and shortening operation times.
This work by Rıfat Rasier was published in an international book titled "Infrared Lasers for Corneal Tissue Welding."
Awards Received:
Best Publication Award, Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology, 2010: "Corneal Tissue Welding with Infrared Lasers of Different Wavelengths in Transparent Corneal Sections."
Best Publication Award, Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology, 2011: "VEGF and IL-8 Levels in Vitreous Fluid in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Resulting from Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment."
JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Turkey Award, First Prize in Medical and Medical Inventions, 2010.
Ministry of Industry, Teknogirişim Project Support, 2010.
Prof. Dr. Necati Tanyolaç Award for Projects and Research in Biomedical Engineering and Technologies during Master's or Doctorate Studies, 2017.
Second Prize for Best Scientific Poster, Turkish Ophthalmology Association National Congress, 2017. Academic Publications:
A. Number of articles published in international refereed journals: 22
B. Number of papers presented at international scientific meetings and published in proceedings: 10
C. Number of articles published in national refereed journals: 25
D. Number of papers presented at national scientific meetings and published in proceedings: 91

Çağrı Geridönmez
Medical Doctor
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Cagrı Geridonmez was born in 1982 in Ankara, in the capital ofTurkey and is a graduate of medical faculty of Kirikkale University.In addition to his practice as a Chief Doctor in 2007 he obtained his medical degree and completed special medical program.Since he got his sertificate as a medical aesthetic he has performed more than 3500hair transplant operations in the one of the most well-known clinics ofTurkey.Currently he is managing a qualified medical team and performs hair restoration operations for patients from all countries of the world.Dr. Cagri’s interests also include improvement of hair loss treatment techniques and finding less invasive methods for hair transplant procedures.He participated in many local and international hair restoration surgery seminars and conferences. He received distinguishing certificates and diplomas for his valuable and well performed job.Now he is working on being a member of prominent international hair restoration organizations as İSHRS and ABHRS.In his spare time, Dr. Cagri enjoys to be engaged in sport activities, especially in motocross racing, car rally and Jiu-jitsu. He also enjoys being involved in different medical experiments on alternative medicine like acupuncture and bio resonance.Dr. Cagri’s passion is driven by the bonds he builds with his patients and the enjoyment he holds in providing high class medical service.
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