Urology Care at Liv Hospital: At-a-Glance

When Murat woke at 3 a.m. with crushing pain radiating from his lower back, he didn't know whether he was having a heart attack or something else. By dawn, blood in his urine and waves of nausea sent him to the emergency department. A CT scan revealed a 7-millimeter kidney stone lodged in his ureter. Within hours, a board-certified urologist at Liv Hospital walked him through his options: watchful waiting with pain control, shock wave lithotripsy, or ureteroscopy. Murat's story is common. Across Turkey and the Mediterranean basin, where hot climates and dietary habits converge, kidney stones affect nearly one in ten adults. But kidney stones are just one slice of the conditions managed in urology.

Liv Hospital's urology department delivers comprehensive care for adult and pediatric patients facing kidney stones, prostate disease, bladder conditions, and urinary tract issues. The team includes board-certified specialists trained in robotic and minimally invasive urologic surgery, evidence-based diagnostics, and multidisciplinary treatment planning. Whether you need a rapid second opinion for prostate cancer staging, metabolic evaluation for recurrent nephrolithiasis, or pediatric surgery for hypospadias, the department coordinates every step—from imaging and biopsy to post-operative follow-up and preventive counseling.

If you encounter "Error establishing a database connection" when visiting the urology page, don't worry. You can still reach the appointment center by phone, send a secure email through the main Liv Hospital website, or submit an online consultation request. International patients benefit from dedicated coordinators who arrange interpreters, travel logistics, and bundled appointments. The system hiccup does not interrupt care—alternate booking channels remain fully operational.

Conditions We Treat

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) and urinary obstruction

Kidney stones form when minerals in urine crystallize. Symptoms include sudden, severe flank pain, hematuria (blood in urine), nausea, and sometimes fever if infection develops. Risk factors span dehydration, high-sodium diets, obesity, and genetic predisposition. A single stone episode doubles your lifetime risk of recurrence. That's why Liv Hospital runs dedicated stone clinics that pair acute intervention with long-term metabolic evaluation. After a urologist removes or fragments your stone, a dietitian and endocrinologist review your 24-hour urine chemistry, adjust your fluid and electrolyte intake, and monitor you over months to prevent new crystals from forming.

Prostate conditions: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer

BPH—non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate—affects more than half of men over 50. You might notice a weak stream, frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom, urgency, or incomplete emptying. Urologists quantify these symptoms with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry studies that measure voiding speed and post-void residual volume. When lifestyle changes and medication no longer suffice, minimally invasive procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) restore flow and quality of life.

Prostate cancer, by contrast, often grows silently. Early detection hinges on the PSA test and digital rectal examination. If your PSA rises or the exam feels abnormal, an MRI–ultrasound fusion biopsy pinpoints suspicious areas with millimeter precision. Once diagnosed, a multidisciplinary tumor board—urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists—reviews your case. Treatment options range from active surveillance for low-risk tumors to robotic prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or androgen-deprivation therapy for advanced disease. Shared decision-making ensures your values, sexual function concerns, and continence goals shape the plan.

Bladder conditions, urinary tract infections (UTI), and bladder cancer

Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women often signals anatomic abnormalities, incomplete emptying, or post-menopausal estrogen loss. In men, UTI may point to prostate obstruction or bladder stones. A urologist performs cystoscopy—a thin camera inserted through the urethra—to inspect the bladder lining for inflammation, stones, or tumors. A hematuria workup is standard for anyone over 35 with visible blood in urine, because bladder cancer can present with painless bleeding. When a tumor is found, transurethral resection removes it, and pathology guides the next step: surveillance cystoscopy every three months, intravesical chemotherapy, or radical cystectomy with urinary diversion for muscle-invasive disease.

Men's and women's urology; erectile dysfunction and incontinence; pediatric urology

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects roughly 40 percent of men at age 40 and 70 percent by age 70. Causes include vascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, and psychological stress. After ruling out cardiovascular risk—ED can be an early warning of heart disease—urologists offer oral medications, penile injections, vacuum devices, or penile prosthesis surgery. Peyronie's disease, characterized by penile curvature and plaques, may require collagenase injections or surgical correction. Male infertility evaluation includes semen analysis, hormone panels, and scrotal ultrasound to detect varicoceles or obstructions.

Women with stress urinary incontinence—leaking when coughing, laughing, or exercising—benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy and, when conservative measures fail, mid-urethral sling procedures. Overactive bladder and urge incontinence respond to behavioral training, anticholinergic medications, or botulinum toxin injections into the bladder wall.

Pediatric urology addresses congenital and acquired conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Common diagnoses include vesicoureteral reflux (urine flowing backwards from the bladder to the kidneys), hypospadias (urethral opening on the underside of the penis), undescended testicle, and hydrocele. Early surgical correction prevents infection, preserves fertility, and supports normal psychosocial development. Family-centered care means parents receive clear explanations, participate in decisions, and access a pediatric anesthesia team trained in minimizing stress and pain for young patients.

Diagnostics and Advanced Technology

Imaging and functional testing

Low-dose CT protocols reduce radiation exposure while detecting stones as small as two millimeters. Renal ultrasound is radiation-free and ideal for pregnant women or children. For functional assessment of the lower urinary tract, urodynamics measures bladder pressure, capacity, and sphincter coordination during filling and voiding. These studies guide treatment for neurogenic bladder, overactive bladder, and voiding dysfunction. The PSA test remains the cornerstone of prostate cancer screening, but interpretation requires clinical context—age, prostate volume, digital rectal exam findings, and family history—to avoid overdiagnosis.

Endoscopic and targeted diagnostics

Cystoscopy can be performed in the clinic under local anesthesia or in the operating room under sedation. Flexible scopes reduce discomfort. White-light cystoscopy reveals visible tumors, stones, and strictures; blue-light (photodynamic) cystoscopy highlights flat, high-grade carcinoma in situ that white light might miss. MRI–ultrasound fusion biopsy overlays pre-procedure MRI onto real-time ultrasound, guiding needles into suspicious prostate regions identified on imaging. This technique increases the detection of clinically significant cancer while reducing unnecessary sampling of benign tissue.

Evidence-based, multidisciplinary assessments

Every complex cancer case—muscle-invasive bladder cancer, high-risk prostate cancer, upper-tract urothelial carcinoma—goes to a weekly tumor board where specialists debate imaging, pathology, comorbidities, and patient preferences. Protocol-driven pathways standardize antibiotic prophylaxis, thromboembolism prevention, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Outcomes tracking—complication rates, readmissions, functional results—feeds continuous quality improvement. Patients see the result: fewer infections, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to work.

Treatments and Procedures

Kidney stone management

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses focused sound waves to fragment stones smaller than two centimeters in the kidney or upper ureter. It's outpatient, requires no incision, and allows most people to resume normal activity within days. Ureteroscopy threads a thin scope through the urethra and bladder into the ureter; a holmium laser pulverizes the stone into dust that washes out naturally. For stones larger than two centimeters or complex staghorn calculi, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) creates a one-centimeter tract through the flank directly into the kidney, enabling the extraction of large fragments under direct vision. After any procedure, your stone goes to the lab for chemical analysis—calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine—and a metabolic specialist tailors diet, hydration targets, and medications to prevent recurrence.

Prostate therapies

Medical therapy for BPH starts with alpha-blockers that relax prostate smooth muscle or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors that shrink gland volume over months. When symptoms persist despite medication, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) removes obstructing tissue through the urethra using an electrified loop. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) achieves similar relief with less bleeding and faster catheter removal. Both are day-surgery or overnight-stay procedures.

Robotic prostatectomy—removal of the entire prostate and seminal vesicles—is the gold standard for localized prostate cancer in men with life expectancy beyond ten years. The da Vinci surgical system magnifies anatomy tenfold and allows wristed instruments to preserve nerves responsible for erections and the sphincter that controls continence. Most patients leave hospital the day after surgery and resume desk work within two weeks. Radiotherapy coordination ensures men who choose external beam or brachytherapy receive the same multidisciplinary follow-up. Active surveillance—monitoring low-risk tumors with serial PSA, MRI, and biopsy—avoids overtreatment while catching progression early. Focal therapies such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or cryotherapy ablate only the cancerous portion of the prostate, an option for select patients seeking a middle path between surveillance and radical treatment.

Oncology and reconstruction

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) removes visible growths and provides tissue for staging. Non-muscle-invasive tumors receive intravesical chemotherapy or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy, instilled directly into the bladder to reduce recurrence. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer typically requires radical cystectomy—removal of the bladder, nearby lymph nodes, and in men, the prostate, in women, the uterus and anterior vaginal wall. Urinary diversion options include an ileal conduit (urostomy bag on the abdomen), continent cutaneous reservoir (catheterizable pouch), or orthotopic neobladder (new bladder fashioned from intestine and connected to the urethra). Reconstructive urology also addresses strictures, fistulas, and trauma, using grafts and flaps to restore anatomy and function.

Men's health and pediatric procedures

Vasectomy—permanent male contraception—is a 15-minute office procedure with local anesthesia, minimal discomfort, and quick recovery. Varicocele repair ligates dilated veins in the scrotum that raise testicular temperature and impair sperm production; it's performed through a small groin or subinguinal incision and can improve semen parameters in infertile men. Peyronie's surgery straightens the penis by excising plaques and grafting or plicating the opposite side.

Pediatric procedures are timed to balance surgical safety, anesthetic risk, and developmental milestones. Orchidopexy for an undescended testicle is ideally performed between six and 18 months to preserve fertility. Hypospadias repair closes the urethral defect and straightens the penis, usually around 6–12 months of age. Hydrocele and inguinal hernia repairs prevent complications like testicular torsion or bowel strangulation. Circumcision, when medically indicated for phimosis or recurrent balanitis, is done under general anesthesia with meticulous hemostasis and pain control.

Why Choose Liv Hospital for Urology

Board-certified specialists and minimally invasive expertise

Every urologist on staff holds certification from national or international boards and completes ongoing training in robotic and minimally invasive urologic surgery. High procedure volumes—hundreds of stone cases, dozens of robotic prostatectomies, and complex reconstructions each year—translate to shorter operating times, fewer complications, and better functional outcomes. Patients experience less pain, smaller scars, shorter catheter duration, and faster return to work compared to traditional open surgery.

Multidisciplinary, evidence-based care

Collaboration extends beyond urology. Medical oncologists dose chemotherapy for advanced bladder and prostate cancer. Radiation oncologists plan precision radiotherapy. Nephrologists manage chronic kidney disease that complicates stone treatment. Pelvic floor physiotherapists teach bladder retraining and pelvic muscle exercises. Dietitians design low-oxalate, low-sodium meal plans. Every patient benefits from standardized pathways—antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, venous thromboembolism protocols, enhanced recovery protocols—that reduce infection, bleeding, and readmission rates while accelerating healing.

Access and patient experience

Multiple clinic locations across the city mean you can choose an appointment close to home or work. Coordinated scheduling consolidates consultations, imaging, and procedures into fewer trips. Nurses provide pre-operative education packets and 24-hour phone triage for post-discharge questions. Transparent communication includes written summaries after each visit, shared electronic records with your primary care physician, and responsive support staff who answer billing and insurance queries without transferring you through endless menus.

Pediatric and Adult Urology Services

Adult care for men and women

Men's health services encompass benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) evaluation, erectile dysfunction treatment, male infertility workup, and prostate cancer screening. Testosterone replacement is coordinated with endocrinology to monitor cardiovascular and hematologic risks. Women's pelvic health addresses recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), stress and urge incontinence, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and pelvic organ prolapse. When surgical correction is needed—sling procedures, bladder suspension, or fistula repair—urologists work alongside gynecologists and colorectal surgeons to optimize outcomes and preserve sexual function.

Pediatric urology

Common conditions in infants and children include vesicoureteral reflux (which predisposes to kidney infection and scarring), hypospadias (requiring staged repairs for proximal defects), undescended testicle (risking infertility and malignancy if untreated), and posterior urethral valves (a cause of obstructive uropathy in boys). Adolescents may present with varicoceles affecting sperm counts or recurrent urinary tract infections linked to voiding dysfunction. A family-centered approach means parents participate in consultations, view imaging together with the surgeon, and receive age-appropriate explanations for the child. Growth-appropriate follow-up tracks renal function, continence milestones, and psychosocial adjustment into adulthood.

Your Care Journey: Appointments to Follow-up

Appointments and second opinions

Request an appointment online through the Liv Hospital portal, by phone, or via secure email. Rapid second opinions are available for urgent cancer diagnoses—submit your pathology slides, imaging CDs, and operative reports electronically, and a senior urologist will review within 48–72 hours. Prepare for your first visit by gathering referral letters, a current medication list (including over-the-counter supplements), prior test results, and imaging on disc or uploaded to a shared drive. Insurance pre-authorization forms can be faxed directly to the billing office to expedite approval.

First visit: what to expect

Your initial consultation lasts 30–45 minutes. The urologist takes a detailed history—symptoms, duration, prior treatments, family history of kidney disease or cancer—and performs a focused physical examination. Depending on your chief complaint, you may have a urine dipstick, uroflowmetry, post-void residual ultrasound, or blood draw the same day. Imaging ordered during the visit (ultrasound, CT, MRI) is often scheduled within the week. Shared decision-making is standard: the physician presents options, explains risks and benefits in plain language, and incorporates your lifestyle, work schedule, and personal values into a treatment plan. You leave with a printed summary, educational handouts, and direct contact information for the nurse coordinator.

Recovery, follow-up, and virtual care

Post-procedure instructions cover pain management (non-opioid whenever possible), activity restrictions (lifting, driving, sexual activity), catheter care, and red-flag symptoms—fever above 38.5°C, uncontrolled bleeding, inability to urinate, severe pain unresponsive to medication—that warrant immediate contact or emergency-department evaluation. Follow-up visits occur at intervals dictated by your condition: one week after stone surgery to confirm clearance, three months after TURBT for surveillance cystoscopy, and every three to six months during active surveillance for prostate cancer. Telemedicine visits are available for routine check-ins, medication adjustments, and discussion of test results, reducing travel burden and waiting-room time. Secure messaging through the patient portal allows you to upload photos of surgical sites, ask non-urgent questions, and request prescription refills between visits.

International Patients

Seamless coordination and language support

Dedicated international-patient coordinators manage every logistical detail. They arrange interpreters fluent in your language for consultations, procedures, and discharge teaching. Cultural liaisons explain hospital routines, dietary accommodations, and prayer-room locations. Travel-planning assistance includes visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and recommendations for nearby hotels with medical-stay discounts. Appointment bundling consolidates pre-operative tests, specialist consultations, surgery, and post-operative follow-up into a single trip, minimizing time away from home and reducing costs.

Records, estimates, and aftercare

Remote review of medical records and imaging begins before you travel. Upload pathology reports, CT or MRI scans, and physician notes to a secure server; a senior urologist triages your case, confirms you are a surgical candidate, and outlines a preliminary treatment plan. Cost estimates itemize surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, implants or grafts, pathology, and anticipated medication. Payment guidance covers wire transfers, credit-card options, and installment plans. A detailed aftercare plan ensures your home-country physician receives operative notes, pathology results, and follow-up schedules in English or translated format, enabling continuity of care and local monitoring of PSA, imaging, or urinalysis as appropriate.

Insurance, Pricing, and Billing

Insurance verification and authorizations

Before scheduling surgery or high-cost imaging, the billing office verifies your coverage and identifies co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Many insurers require pre-authorization for robotic surgery, advanced imaging (MRI–ultrasound fusion biopsy), or expensive medications (intravesical BCG). The hospital submits authorization requests with clinical notes and diagnosis codes; approval typically arrives within one to two weeks. Out-of-network patients receive good-faith cost estimates and can negotiate single-case agreements with insurers to secure partial reimbursement. Referral guidance helps you understand whether your plan requires a primary-care or specialist referral and how to obtain one without delay.

Self-pay and financial options

Package pricing bundles surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and routine pathology fees into one transparent quote. Financing options include interest-free installment plans for up to 12 months and partnerships with medical-loan providers for larger balances. Price transparency means you receive itemized estimates before consenting to treatment, with separate line items for implants, disposable instruments, and overnight stays so you can compare costs and make informed choices. Financial counselors are available to discuss payment plans, charity care, and assistance programs if you face unexpected hardship.

Contact and Locations

How to reach us

Schedule an appointment by calling the central appointment line, sending a secure email through the Liv Hospital portal, or submitting an online request form. Clinic hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some evening and Saturday slots available. Multiple specialists and clinic locations throughout the city offer flexibility; ask the scheduler for the site closest to your home or workplace and confirm that your preferred urologist practices there.

If the urology page shows an error

Should you encounter "Error establishing a database connection" when visiting the urology page, navigate to the main Liv Hospital website, use the site-wide search to find contact details, call the central appointment center directly, or email the international-patient coordinator for assistance. The technical issue does not affect phone lines, email systems, or in-person registration—your care pathway remains open and fully supported.