Pathologies and Treatments

It is a condition in which stones form in the urinary tract, such as the kidneys, the ureters or the bladder. These stones form from the accumulation of minerals, such as calcium, uric acid or other substances present in the urine.

• Intense pain in the lower back or side (renal colic).
• Presence of blood in the urine (hematuria).
• Difficulty or pain when urinating.
• Nausea and vomiting.

The treatment of kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stones. In many cases, drinking plenty of water, when there is no pain, can help eliminate them naturally. If they are larger, techniques such as:

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): a non-invasive procedure to break up the stones.
• Endoscopic surgery (ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy): when they cannot be broken up with ESWL or to extract larger stones.
• Pharmacological treatments to control pain and prevent new stones.

The best way to prevent the formation of kidney stones is:

• To stay well hydrated.
• Follow a balanced diet low in salt and animal proteins.
• Avoid excessive calcium supplements without medical supervision.

If you experience symptoms or have a history of renal lithiasis, consult a specialized urologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The symptoms of BPH usually develop gradually and may include:

• Difficulty starting urination (delay in the onset of the flow).
• Weak or intermittent urine stream.
• Sensation of not completely emptying the bladder.
• Increased urinary frequency, especially at night (nocturia).
• Urgency to urinate or incontinence.

The main cause of prostatic hyperplasia is the hormonal change associated with aging. The most common risk factors are:

• Advanced age
• Family history of prostate problems
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle

The treatment of BPH depends on the severity of the symptoms and may include:

• Pharmacological treatment: Medications such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to reduce the size of the prostate.
• Surgery: In more severe cases, procedures such as:

• • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): The most common technique to remove excess prostatic tissue.
  • Laser prostate enucleation (HoLEP): An advanced laser technique that removes the excess tissue with a lower risk of complications.
  • Other minimally invasive treatments: such as UROLIFT or REZUM

Although it cannot be completely avoided, some habits can help reduce the symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
• Reduce liquid intake before going to bed.
• Exercise regularly.

If you experience difficulty urinating or other symptoms of BPH, it is important to consult a specialized urologist for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

In the early stages, prostate cancer may not present any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they often include:

• Difficulty or pain when urinating.
• Weak or intermittent urine stream.
• Increased need to urinate, especially at night (nocturia).
• Blood in the urine or semen (hematuria).
• Bone pain, especially in the back or hips (in advanced cases).
• Erectile dysfunction.

The main risk factors for developing prostate cancer are:

• Advanced age (more common after 50 years).
• Family history of prostate cancer.
• Genetic factors (mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes).
• A diet high in animal fats and low in fruits and vegetables.
• A sedentary lifestyle.

The main screening tests include:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination to detect abnormalities in the prostate.
• PSA Test (prostate-specific antigen): A blood test that measures PSA levels, a protein that can indicate the presence of cancer.
• Multiparametric MRI: An advanced imaging test to detect tumors.
• Prostate biopsy: Extraction of a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health:

• Active surveillance for slow-growing tumors.
• Surgery:

• • Radical prostatectomy: Complete removal of the prostate.
  • Radiotherapy: External or with brachytherapy (radioactive implants in the prostate).
  • Hormonal treatment: Reduces testosterone levels to slow tumor growth.
  • Chemotherapy and immunotherapy: In cases of advanced or metastatic cancer.

There is no definitive way to prevent prostate cancer, but the following advice may help:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Undergo regular check-ups from the age of 50, or earlier if there is a family history.

It is important to have regular check-ups with a specialized urologist if you are over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer. Early detection can be key to a more effective and less invasive treatment.