General FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
If you or someone you love has a Urology problem, you are not alone. Urology related health issues are common and can have a huge impact on a person’s quality on quantity of life. The urogenital system includes the kidneys, ureters (drainage tubes between the kidney and the bladder), the bladder, prostate, penis and testes (in men) and the urethra. Both men and women can be affected by poor urological health. Poor urological health can have long and lasting impacts.
1. What are some signs that I might need to see a urologist?
- Pain in the flank (kidneys), below the belly button (bladder), perineum (prostate) or testes
- Recurrent urine infections (pain passing urine, frequency, urgency, fevers)
- Blood in the urine (haematuria), blood in the semen (haematospermia)
- Changes in usual urinary habit: flow rate, hesitancy, urgency, frequency, getting up and night to void
- Weight loss associated with any of the above symptoms
- A strong family history of prostate, bladder or kidney cancer
Any combination of these symptoms can indicate a urological problem.
2. What’s the first thing I should do?
A urological surgeon can help you manage things like:
- Cancer screening – prostate (PSA)
- Cancer risk assessment and diagnosis – kidney, bladder, prostate, testis
- Cancer treatment
- Minimally invasive Robot assisted surgery for cancerous and non-cancerous urological conditions
- Voiding dysfunction – Bladder outlet obstruction, overactive bladder
- Reconstructive urology – urethral stricture disease
- Kidney stone disease
- Men’s Health – vasectomy, hydrocoele, varicocoele, epididymal cysts
3. What is Robotic Surgery?
The da Vinci Xi surgical robot is a state-of-the-art system and allows minimally-invasive alternatives to complex, open surgeries for both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. Procedures are conducted through tiny incisions with delicate, precise instruments, meaning a faster, less painful recovery for the patient, and less post-operative complications.
The da Vinci robot consists of four robotic arms – three for holding surgical instruments and one for the system’s 3D cameras. During a robotic surgery, the surgeon sits in the tower and controls the robotic arms using master controls and foot pedals.
The Robotic system is proven to result in less blood loss, less post-operative pain and a shorter hospital stay with excellent cancer and functional outcomes.
4. What’s covered by my health fund?
If you undergo surgery with Dr Menogue you can claim through your private health fund for inpatient services. Sometimes, your health fund and Medicare may not cover all the fees and you might need to make an out of pocket or gap payment. Dr Menogue and his team can answer your questions about fees at the time of your consultation.
5. What should I do to prepare for my procedure?
Here are some general things you can do:
- Have important information ready, including your Medicare number, private health insurance/DVA details, emergency contact person details, your referral, a list of current medications especially blood thinning medication and diabetes medication, and results of any tests you’ve had since your last visit.
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that’s easy to get on and off.
- If you’ll be staying in hospital, pack a bag with comfortable clothes, underwear, toiletries, phone charger and any other personal items you might want (like reading material).
- Look after your overall health by getting some light physical activity, enough sleep, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
- The hospital will call you one business day prior to your procedure to confirm your fasting status and the scheduled time to arrive at the hospital
6. What will happen after my procedure?
7. Will I be in pain?
8. How long will it take to recover?
9. What should I do once I'm discharged from hospital?
Aim to follow a healthy lifestyle including eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in some physical activity on most days. Looking after your mental health is also crucial.
You might also benefit from rehabilitation – an evidence-based program designed to gradually strengthen your heart, lungs, muscles and circulatory system.