Before you start your rotation, you need to know these things:
- Basic anatomy of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).
- Common urological conditions (e.g., urinary tract infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia, kidney stones, bladder cancer).
- Urological imaging techniques (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, cystoscopy).
- Urological surgical procedures (e.g., prostatectomy, nephrectomy, cystectomy).
- Understanding of urological diagnostic tools (e.g., urinalysis, blood tests, PSA).
- Pharmacological management of urological conditions (e.g., alpha-blockers for BPH, antibiotics for UTIs).
Before you start your rotation, read these topics:
- Urinary tract infections: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): symptoms, diagnosis, and management.
- Urolithiasis (kidney stones): diagnosis, treatment, and surgical options.
- Prostate cancer: diagnosis (PSA testing, biopsy), staging, and treatment options.
- Bladder cancer: diagnosis (cystoscopy, urine cytology), staging, and management.
- Erectile dysfunction: causes, diagnostic work-up, and treatment.
- Urological emergencies (e.g., acute urinary retention, testicular torsion, renal colic).
During your rotation, carry these items:
- Stethoscope, pen, and notebook.
- A pocket guide for urological conditions and treatments.
- A folder for patient charts and notes.
- Comfortable shoes and surgical scrubs (if assisting in the OR).