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?
You may benefit from a review by a urologist if you’re experiencing:

  • 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?
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your GP for your initial assessment and ask for a referral a Urologist. A urologist is a specialist surgeon with advanced training in conditions affecting the urinary tract.

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?
Minimally-invasive robotic surgery has been transforming surgical outcomes for patients. Dr Menogue is fellowship trained in robotic surgery and has developed his skills under world renowned leaders in this field.

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?
Follow the specific advice provided by Dr Menogue and his team. Refer to any written information you may have been given as this will often answer a lot of your questions. Review the material on this website.

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?
This will vary depending on your procedure. As a rule, you’ll go straight to a recovery ward where nursing staff will monitor your condition. Some people may then be discharged, others will be transferred to an overnight ward or to intensive care unit for ongoing specialist care.
7. Will I be in pain?
Some discomfort is to be expected after any surgical procedure. However, our anaesthetic specialists use the latest pain management techniques to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. Our attentive, experienced nurses are also on hand to help you feel at ease.
8. How long will it take to recover?
Recovery times can vary from hours to days to months. It depends on various factors, including the type of procedure you’ve had, your age, and whether you have any other health conditions.
9. What should I do once I'm discharged from hospital?
The most important thing to do is follow Dr Menogue’s instructions, as these are designed to optimise the success of your procedure and your recovery. You might need to avoid some activities, like heavy lifting, sport, or driving, for a time. Your specialist will discuss this with you. It’s also vital to keep taking your medications as prescribed.

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.