Urologist in Chennai

Urology is the medical and surgical specialty that deals with diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women, and the male reproductive system. It covers the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and in men the prostate, testes and penis.

Urology includes both non-surgical management (medicines, lifestyle advice, monitoring) and surgical care, from endoscopic procedures to open, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. Common areas include kidney stones, enlarged prostate, urinary infections, urinary incontinence and urological cancers.

A urologist is a doctor trained to diagnose, treat and help prevent disorders of the urinary system and male reproductive system. A urologist can manage:

• Urinary tract: conditions of the kidneys, ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder and urethra.
• Male reproductive health: conditions of the prostate and testes, and problems such as erectile dysfunction.
• Urological problems in women: urinary incontinence, recurrent bladder infections and related bladder conditions.

Some urologists also sub-specialise, for example in uro-oncology, which focuses on cancers of the urinary and male reproductive systems.

Dr. Praveen Balagangatharan

Consultant Uro Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon, VS Hospitals (Kilpauk)

Dr. Praveen Balagangatharan is the urologist at VS Hospitals, Chennai. He is an experienced uro-oncology specialist who provides patient-focused care for urological cancers and a wide range of urinary tract disorders. His work includes managing prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder tumours and other conditions of the urinary tract.

He performs minimally invasive and robotic-assisted urological surgery. In uro-oncology, robotic assistance is used in procedures such as radical prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy, where precise dissection is needed and the aim is to preserve surrounding structures, including the nerves involved in urinary control and erectile function, where it is safe to do so. His areas of clinical interest include:

• Minimally invasive and robotic urological surgery
• Comprehensive uro-oncology care
• Kidney stone treatment
• Prostate surgery and transurethral procedures
• Urinary incontinence management
• Complex urological surgeries for cancerous and non-cancerous conditions
• Evidence-based surgical decision-making
• Multidisciplinary treatment planning
• Patient counselling

He takes part in academic forums and keeps up with developments in urology, uro-oncology and robotic surgery techniques.

See a urologist if you notice any of the following symptoms, especially if they persist or keep coming back:

• Blood in the urine (haematuria): can have several causes and should always be evaluated promptly.
• Burning or pain while passing urine, or frequent urination: often linked to urinary tract infections.
• Severe pain in the back, side or lower abdomen: may point to a kidney stone.
• Difficulty starting urination, weak stream or frequent night-time urination: common with an enlarged prostate.
• Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence): a treatable condition that many people delay discussing.
• Erectile dysfunction: can be related to physical, hormonal or lifestyle factors.
• A lump or swelling in the testicle, or persistent pelvic pain.
• Raised PSA levels found on a blood test.

Some symptoms need emergency care. Go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you are unable to pass urine (acute urinary retention, which often needs urgent catheter drainage to protect the kidneys), or if you have fever with chills or shivering along with urinary symptoms or flank pain, especially with vomiting or if you feel seriously unwell. These can indicate a severe infection or a blocked kidney, which needs urgent treatment.

Your urologist will begin with a history and physical examination, and may advise one or more of the following:

• Urinalysis and urine culture: to check for infection, blood or other abnormalities.
• Blood tests: including kidney function tests and PSA (prostate-specific antigen).
• Ultrasound scan: to look at the kidneys, bladder and prostate.
• CT or MRI imaging: for detailed assessment of stones, masses or cancers.
• Uroflowmetry and urodynamic testing: to measure urine flow and bladder function.
• Cystoscopy: a thin, lighted scope used to view the inside of the bladder and urethra.
• Biopsy: when tissue sampling is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Which tests are needed depends on your symptoms and clinical findings.

Treatment is planned individually. Options may include:

• Medicines: for infections, prostate enlargement, overactive bladder, stone prevention and other conditions.
• Lifestyle and dietary guidance: such as fluid intake, diet changes and bladder training.
• Endoscopic procedures: for stones and prostate problems, done through natural passages without large incisions.
• Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery: for suitable kidney, prostate and bladder conditions, including cancers.
• Open surgery: when it is the more appropriate option for a particular patient.
• Pelvic floor therapy and counselling: for incontinence and related concerns.
• Cancer care: surgery planned along with the wider oncology team where required.

• Cystoscopy: examination of the bladder and urethra with a scope.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and bladder tumour (TURBT): endoscopic procedures to treat an enlarged prostate or remove bladder tumours.
• Stone treatment: including endoscopic stone removal and shock wave lithotripsy where suitable.
• Prostatectomy: surgical removal of the prostate. Radical prostatectomy is done mainly for prostate cancer, while a simple prostatectomy may be used in selected patients with a severely enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Nephrectomy: removal of all or part of a kidney, for example in kidney cancer.
• Vasectomy: a surgical method of permanent male contraception.
• Urodynamic studies: tests that assess how well the bladder stores and empties urine.

• Early diagnosis: many urological conditions, including cancers, are easier to treat when found early.
• Specialist assessment: symptoms that look similar can have very different causes.
• Treatment matched to you: your age, health, symptoms and preferences all shape the plan.
• Less discomfort and better daily life: managing issues such as incontinence, stones or prostate symptoms can improve comfort and sleep.
• Coordinated care: access to imaging, laboratory and multidisciplinary support within one hospital.

• Drink enough water through the day unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Do not hold urine for long periods.
• Maintain a healthy weight, stay active and limit salt.
• Avoid smoking, which is a known risk factor for bladder and kidney cancers.
• PSA screening should be decided through an individual risk assessment and shared decision-making with your doctor, taking into account your age, family history and overall health. A raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer, as it can also occur with benign prostate enlargement or prostatitis.
• Do not ignore blood in urine, even if it happens only once.

Urinary and male reproductive health problems are common and treatable, and early evaluation often makes treatment simpler. At VS Hospitals, Chennai, Dr. Praveen Balagangatharan provides urological care that ranges from stone and prostate treatment to uro-oncology and robotic-assisted surgery. If you have any of the symptoms described above, book a consultation for a proper evaluation.

This article is for general information and awareness only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified doctor for your specific condition.