Urology

For women

There are also numerous symptoms and diseases in women for whose treatment the expertise of a urologist is indispensable.

Kidneys and ureters

Urinary bladder and urethra

Sex organs

Urology for women

Urology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the urinary tract in women and of the male and female reproductive systems.

Women may experience various urologic challenges, including urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, bladder problems, urinary stones, infertility and other genitourinary health disorders. We provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment, to ensure women's urologic health.

Our patients about alta uro

"I felt I was in the best of hands right from the start. Everything is just right here. Thank you very much. I can only recommend it to everyone. My quality of life has improved enormously since the operation."

Kidneys and ureters

The main function of the kidneys is to cleanse the blood and rid the body of excess water and salts. Urine is produced in this process. The urine is transported from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder.

Other tasks include regulating blood pressure, controlling the formation of red blood cells, and producing hormones and enzymes. Each person normally has 2 kidneys, one left and one right. They are located in the flank area, which is why pain is often localized there in cases of kidney disease, such as kidney stones. Since the kidneys perform many tasks for the body, they are very well supplied with blood. About 1800 liters of blood flow through the kidney every day. The organ kidney is cared for by 2 medical disciplines: nephrology and urology. Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine. The nephrologist deals with the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the kidneys. For the urologist, the focus is on surgical treatment options, such as the surgical removal of tumors or stones of the draining urinary tract. Due to the overlap between urology and nephrology, there is close cooperation between these specialties.

Kidney stones

Kidney or ureteral stones can be extremely painful. We offer you comprehensive treatment with modern stone removal techniques. An individual assessment of your risk profile as well as customized recommendations for prevention are a matter of course at alta uro ... learn more

How do urinary stones form?

Kidney stones are formed by an imbalance of metabolic waste products in the urine. This imbalance causes substances normally dissolved in the urine to form crystals, which can then turn into stones. The most important risk factor for urinary stones is drinking too little.

What are the symptoms of urinary stones?

A stone that is located in the kidney often causes no discomfort. However, if the stone gets into the renal pelvis or ureter, it causes severe, wave-like pain, known as colic. The pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting or a strong urge to urinate.

What clarification for urinary stones does alta uro offer?

To find out whether a kidney or ureteral stone is present, a computer tomography scan is performed if necessary in addition to a urine examination and an ultrasound. This allows the number, size and location of the stones to be determined and thus a tailored treatment plan to be drawn up. After removal, the stones are examined for their composition. For patients with an increased risk profile, a special metabolic examination is performed. On the basis of this examination, we draw up an individual concept for our patients to prevent the formation of new stones.

What treatment for urinary stones does alta uro offer?

alta uro offers a broad spectrum for the treatment of kidney and ureteral stones. In the case of small stones, there is a high probability that they will be flushed out on their own. Therefore, waiting is possible in certain situations. In the case of stones in the ureter, a ureteroscopy (so-called ureterorenoscopy, URS) is performed under anesthesia and the stone is removed using the smallest instruments. In the case of kidney stones, depending on the size and location, we perform a reflection using flexible instruments (so-called flexible URS). In the case of large kidney stones, endoscopic removal from the outside through the skin, a so-called PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) may be necessary.

Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is rare compared to other tumor diseases. About one third of those affected are women.

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is a disease in which the cells in the kidney change so that they grow unchecked. Today, most kidney tumors are discovered incidentally during imaging. Fortunately, the tumors are therefore often in an early stage, so that a cure is possible in the vast majority of cases with the correct therapy.

What treatment is required?

If kidney cancer is suspected, further imaging using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required for more precise assessment. These procedures can be used to identify the tumor sites as well as the extension and possibly metastases in other organs. Imaging can usually reliably distinguish between benign changes in the kidney and kidney cancer. If the suspicion of kidney cancer is confirmed, surgery is required. In selected cases of small tumors, monitoring may also be performed in patients* with serious secondary diseases.

What treatment for kidney cancer does alta uro offer?

At alta uro, minimally invasive therapy of kidney tumors is one of our main focuses. In the vast majority of cases, surgery is performed using the Da Vinci surgical robot. This technique allows us to operate very precisely and to remove only the tumor-bearing part of the kidney, while sparing the healthy part of the kidney. This has the following advantages for our patients:

Less pain after surgery

Rapid recovery

Short hospital stay

Long-term protection of kidney function

No cosmetically disturbing large scars

If the tumor is very large or if the tumor is very close to critical structures, it may be necessary to remove the entire kidney.

Urinary bladder and urethra

The urinary bladder collects and stores the urine produced by the kidneys. At a certain filling level, the urinary bladder makes itself felt by the urge to urinate. The urinary bladder enables the adult human to deliberately pass urine through the urethra at specific intervals. The interaction between the urinary bladder and a sophisticated sphincter system is responsible for the controlled release of urine.

Due to its distensibility, the urinary bladder changes its shape from spherical to finally pear-shaped with increasing filling. The inner lining of the urinary bladder is formed by a special mucous membrane called urothelium. The urinary bladder is well protected in the small pelvis. In women, the urinary bladder is adjacent to the uterus at the back of the pelvis; in men, it is adjacent to the rectum at the back. In both sexes, the urinary bladder lies on the pelvic floor. Urine is excreted through the urethra. The urethra passes through the pelvic floor. The two sphincter systems of the urinary bladder are also found in this area.There are a variety of acquired and congenital diseases of the urinary bladder and urethra. Women and men are equally affected.

Bladder Cancer

Only a quarter of all bladder cancer patients are women. Nevertheless, the tumor is often more aggressive in women than in affected men. Therefore, correct therapy is essential. alta uro offers you everything from a single source. We use the most modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is a disease in which the cells of the urinary bladder change so that they grow unchecked. Growths develop in the urinary bladder that can, for example, grow like coral. The tumors can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Blood in the urine is often the first warning sign that bladder cancer is present. The most important known risk factor for the development of bladder cancer is smoking.

What treatment for bladder cancer does alta uro offer?

In addition to diagnostics by means of outpatient cystoscopy, alta uro offers endoscopic removal of bladder tumors. Here we make use of the latest technologies, which can make it much easier for us to detect even the smallest tumors. If the tumor is limited to the mucous membrane but is more aggressive, further treatment with regular bladder irrigation (so-called BCG immunotherapy) is necessary after surgical removal. We perform this therapy on an outpatient basis in our practice. If the removal of the entire bladder is necessary, we will advise you comprehensively and perform the operation together with our colleagues at the University Hospital Basel.

Irritable bladder

A constant, often sudden urge to urinate - an irritable bladder is very annoying for women. Out of shame, many sufferers do not seek help. At alta uro, we take care of your complaints so that the urge to urinate becomes a thing of the past.

What are possible causes of irritable bladder?

Strictly speaking, the term "irritable bladder" refers only to situations of disturbingly frequent urination for which no other causes can be found. In irritable bladder, the function of the urinary bladder is disturbed. This means that those affected feel the need to urinate much more often than would be physically necessary. In addition, there may also be involuntary loss of urine.

A constant urge to urinate or incontinence can occur with many diseases. These include, for example, sexually transmitted diseases, neurological diseases, narrowing of the bladder outlet, tumor diseases, mental illnesses, or chronic bladder inflammation (interstitial cystitis).

What are the diagnostics for irritable bladder?

The most important thing is first to have a detailed discussion with the people affected. We take a lot of time for this, as valuable information is gained here. Often, a so-called drinking and micturition protocol is also necessary. For this purpose, the patients document their drinking quantity as well as the quantity of urine by means of a measuring cup. This documentation allows the first conclusions to be drawn about the function of the urinary bladder. Furthermore, a physical examination, a urine test and an ultrasound are performed. Further clarifications depend on the type of symptoms and include, for example, a cystoscopy or a bladder pressure measurement (so-called urodynamics).

What are the treatment options for irritable bladder?

The type of treatment depends on the underlying disease. In the case of sexually transmitted diseases, antibiotic therapy is given. If tension or cramping of the muscles of the pelvic floor or increased stress is the cause, specific bladder training exercises and relaxation exercises using physiotherapy are very effective. Certain foods can also cause irritation of the bladder, so that adjustments are also very promising here.

When treating irritable bladder, the team of doctors at alta uro always applies a therapy concept that is tailored to the respective cause. With this concept, which is optimally adapted to the person affected, very pleasing therapeutic successes can be achieved.

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (involuntary loss of urine) occurs frequently and is a major restriction on the quality of life for those affected. Out of shame, many sufferers do not seek professional help. At alta uro, we take a calm approach to your complaints. Thanks to a wide range of therapy and care options, it is now possible for you to resume your everyday life according to your wishes and regain your quality of life.

What exactly is incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is any involuntary or unwanted loss of urine. If incontinence occurs regularly, it is considered a medical condition. Women have a higher risk than men of developing urinary incontinence. Different forms of incontinence are distinguished, depending on the situation in which the loss of urine occurs:‍

Stress incontinence: leakage of urine during certain activities such as coughing, sneezing, sports activities or lifting heavy weights

Urge incontinence: loss of urine due to a sudden need to urinate.

‍Mixed incontinence: Urinary incontinence in which symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence may occur.

Causes of urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can have a wide variety of causes. The most common causes include hormone deficiency, weak pelvic floor muscles or diseases of the nervous system.
Furthermore, the following risk factors are known:

‍Forwomen: Pelvic surgery, menopause, childbirth.

‍Formen: operations on the prostate (e.g. radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer).

Which clarifications are necessary in case of incontinence?

The most important thing is first to have a detailed discussion with the person concerned. We take a lot of time for this. This is followed by a physical examination, a urine test and an ultrasound. Further examinations depend on the nature of the symptoms and include, for example, an X-ray examination, a cystoscopy or a bladder pressure measurement (so-called urodynamics).

What therapies for incontinence does alta uro offer?

Depending on the type of incontinence as well as the severity, bladder training or pelvic floor training under professional guidance is often very effective. In addition, various medications are available that can achieve a significant improvement, especially in the case of urge incontinence.

If these measures are not successful, surgical treatment may be necessary. The choice of procedure here depends on the type and severity of the incontinence and the burden of the symptoms.

Urinary tract infections

Painful and annoying - urinary tract infections are a great burden for those affected. alta uro offers you a comprehensive assessment and draws up an individual therapy plan.

How do urinary tract infections develop?

Urinary tract infections result from a defensive reaction of the body to bacteria present in the urine. These find access to the urinary bladder via the urethra. Favoring factors are female gender (due to the shorter urethra), residual urine formation or hormonal changes in the course of menopause. Basically, a distinction is made between acute infections that occur once and repeated infections. While occasional infections in women are usually unproblematic, further clarification is necessary in men after infections.

What clarification is required for urinary tract infections?

The standard includes a urine examination. This identifies the bacteria causing the infection and tests sensitivity to antibiotics. In addition to a physical examination, an ultrasound of the kidneys and urinary bladder is part of routine diagnostics. In the case of recurrent infections, a cystoscopy and occasionally an X-ray examination may be necessary.

What treatment does alta uro perform for urinary tract infections?

An acute urinary tract infection usually requires treatment with an antibiotic. If fever and elevated infection levels in the blood are also present, hospitalization may be necessary. In the case of recurrent urinary tract infections in women, strengthening the body's own defenses is the treatment of choice. If recurrent urinary tract infections nevertheless occur, further clarification is required.

What expertise does alta uro have in the area of urinary tract infections?

alta uro is pleased to have Prof. Dr. med. Gernot Bonkat, one of Europe's leading experts in the field of urinary tract infections, on its team. As Chairman of the Guidelines Commission on Urological Infections of the European Society of Urology, he contributes the latest scientific findings to therapy, from which our patients benefit.

Sex organs

The female reproductive organs include various anatomical structures responsible for reproduction and sexual function.

The main components are the vulva (external genitalia), clitoris (sensitive area above the urethra), vagina (internal channel to the uterus), uterus (uterus, for pregnancy), fallopian tubes (transport of eggs) and ovaries (ovaries, egg production and hormone regulation). This system enables reproduction, sexual arousal and hormone regulation.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Burning when urinating or discharge from the urethra - these can be signs of a sexually transmitted disease. No one should be embarrassed about contracting a sexually transmitted disease. It is important to act and get checked so that therapy can be initiated as quickly as possible.

What are sexually transmitted diseases?

The collective term sexually transmitted infections (STD) covers infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, which are mainly transmitted through sexual contact. If the infection leads to disease, it is called a sexually transmitted disease. Sexually transmitted diseases are among the most significant and common diseases worldwide, with about one million new infections per day.

How can a sexually transmitted disease be detected?

The most common complaints that indicate a sexually transmitted disease are discharge from the urethra or vagina. In addition, there is burning and itching in the urethra, burning during urination, pain in the genital area and lower abdomen, swelling of the lymph nodes and painless but also painful open sores in the genital area. If left untreated, there is a risk of serious effects and subsequent damage. If a sexually transmitted disease is suspected, laboratory diagnostics are necessary. Due to the large number of possible pathogens, there is no standardized test. Depending on the situation, urine and/or blood tests are performed. In principle, the attending physician must decide which test is necessary and useful.

What treatment for sexually transmitted diseases does alta uro offer?

Treatment depends on the pathogen. Thus, bacterial infections (e.g. gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia or ureaplasma) can be treated with antibiotics. Diseases caused by viruses, such as HPV infections, can be treated with medication or surgery (e.g. condyloma removal).

alta uro
The specialists for urology in Basel

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Member of the Swiss Society of Urology
Member of the Quality Register of the Swiss Society of Urology
Certified cooperation partner of the German Cancer Society
Certified medical advice center of the German Continence Society