5★ on Google · 450+ reviews MCh AIIMS Delhi · FRCS Oxford University, England Apollo Hospital Gurugram + Six Sigma Clinics NEW +91 78382 86336

For Patients

Patient Education Library

Plain-language guides on urological conditions - written by Dr. Nitin Shrivastava to help you understand your diagnosis, prepare questions, and make informed decisions about your care.

For information only. This library is educational - it explains conditions and procedures in plain language. It does not constitute medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, and cannot replace an in-person consultation. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details. If you have an emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.

Condition & procedure guides

What would you like to understand?

🪨

Kidney Stones

How stones form, what causes them, when they pass on their own, and when RIRS or PCNL is needed.

RIRS PCNL ESWL Pain management
Read guide →
🫀

Prostate Enlargement (BPH)

Why the prostate grows, the IPSS scoring system, medication options, and when TURP or HoLEP is recommended.

TURP HoLEP Tamsulosin PSA
Read guide →
🔬

Prostate Cancer

PSA screening, Gleason grading, active surveillance vs robotic surgery, and what to expect after treatment.

PSA Biopsy Robotic surgery Gleason
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🩺

Blood in Urine (Haematuria)

Why haematuria is never normal, what investigations are needed, and which conditions can cause it.

Cystoscopy CT urogram Bladder cancer Stones
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🧬

Kidney Cancer (RCC)

How renal cell carcinoma is detected, the role of partial vs radical nephrectomy, and robotic surgery.

Partial nephrectomy Robotic surgery CT scan Biopsy
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💧

Bladder Cancer

Stages of bladder cancer, TURBT procedure, BCG therapy, and when radical cystectomy is needed.

TURBT BCG therapy Cystoscopy Cystectomy
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👶

Male Infertility & Azoospermia

Understanding semen analysis results, obstructive vs non-obstructive azoospermia, and treatment pathways.

Semen analysis mTESE Varicocele IVF/ICSI
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🔁

Recurrent UTI in Women

Why some women get repeated infections, the role of cystoscopy, and long-term prevention strategies.

Cystoscopy Antibiotics Bladder training D-Mannose
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Robotic Urology Surgery

What the Da Vinci system does, how it differs from open and laparoscopic surgery, and recovery times.

Da Vinci Minimal access Nerve-sparing Faster recovery
Read guide →
💊

Understanding PSA Tests

What PSA measures, normal ranges by age, causes of raised PSA other than cancer, and what happens next.

PSA Free PSA Biopsy Active surveillance
Read guide →

How to use these guides

Getting the most from your consultation

📖

Read before your appointment

Understanding basic terminology helps you ask better questions. Read the guide for your condition before you come in - you'll get more from a 20-minute consultation.

📋

Bring your reports

Bring all blood tests, urine cultures, ultrasound reports, CT or MRI scans, and previous consultation notes. Arrange them in date order so we can follow the timeline of your condition.

Write down your questions

Consultations go quickly. Write down your top 3–5 questions in advance. Common ones: What is my diagnosis? Do I need surgery? What happens if I wait? What are the risks of treatment?

🤝

Ask for a second opinion

For any significant diagnosis - cancer, surgery, or major treatment - asking for a second opinion is completely appropriate. Dr. Nitin regularly provides second opinions for patients who have been seen elsewhere.

Understanding your tests

Common urology investigations explained

These are the tests you are most likely to be asked to have. Understanding what they measure helps you interpret results and engage confidently in the consultation.

Test / Scan What it tells us
PSA blood testProstate-Specific Antigen - a protein made by prostate cells. Elevated levels may indicate BPH, prostatitis, or prostate cancer. Normal varies by age.
Urine cultureChecks for bacterial infection in urine and identifies which antibiotics will work. A sterile urine sample collected mid-stream.
Ultrasound KUBKidney-Ureter-Bladder ultrasound. Non-invasive, no radiation. Detects kidney stones, hydronephrosis, bladder wall thickening, and post-void residual urine.
CT urogramDetailed CT scan of the urinary tract with contrast dye. Best test for kidney stones, kidney and bladder tumours, and blood in urine workup.
Serum creatinineMeasures kidney function. Normal adult range: 0.7–1.2 mg/dL. Elevated levels suggest reduced kidney filtering capacity (chronic kidney disease).
Semen analysisMeasures sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). WHO reference values: ≥15 million/mL, ≥40% motility, ≥4% normal forms.
CystoscopyA small camera passed into the bladder via the urethra. Directly visualises the bladder lining - the definitive investigation for blood in urine and bladder tumours.
MRI prostate (mpMRI)Multi-parametric MRI - the most sensitive imaging for suspected prostate cancer. Done before biopsy in most cases to guide where to sample and assess extent.

When to get help

Symptoms that need urology review

Some symptoms can safely wait for a routine appointment; others need urgent same-day or emergency assessment.

🚨 Emergency - go now

  • Complete inability to pass urine (acute retention)
  • Blood in urine with large clots blocking urine flow
  • Severe loin pain + fever + chills (infected obstructed kidney)
  • Sudden swelling and pain in one testicle (testicular torsion)
  • Penile injury with inability to urinate

Call 112 or go to emergency. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.

⚠️ Urgent - book this week

  • Blood in urine (even once, even painless)
  • New inability to ejaculate or ejaculating blood
  • Lump on the testicle
  • Rapidly worsening urinary stream
  • PSA significantly above age-appropriate range
  • Kidney stone with single kidney or both kidneys blocked

WhatsApp +91 78382 86336 - mention urgency. Aim to be seen within 48–72 hours.

📅 Routine - book within weeks

  • Slow urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying
  • Getting up 2+ times at night to urinate
  • Recurrent UTIs (2 or more in 6 months)
  • Difficulty conceiving for 12+ months
  • Mild kidney stone, no fever, no obstruction
  • Erectile dysfunction, first presentation

Book a planned appointment. Appointments typically available within 3–7 working days.

Surgical preparation

Preparing for urology surgery

If Dr. Nitin has recommended a surgical procedure, this general checklist applies to most planned urological operations. You will receive specific written instructions before your procedure.

Before admission

  • Complete all pre-op blood tests and ECG (usually 5–7 days before)
  • Stop blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as instructed - usually 5–7 days before
  • Inform the team of all medications, supplements, and allergies
  • Arrange a responsible adult to accompany you on admission and discharge day
  • Arrange post-discharge support for at least 3–5 days at home

Day of surgery

  • Fasting: nothing to eat for 6 hours, nothing to drink for 2 hours before surgery
  • Shower or bathe the morning of surgery
  • Bring all reports, x-rays, and medicines in original packing
  • Leave valuables at home
  • Report to Apollo Hospital Gurugram, Sector 26, as directed in your admission letter

Recovery at home

  • Rest for the first 24–48 hours - do not drive
  • Drink 2–3 litres of water per day unless told otherwise
  • Take all prescribed medications - do not skip antibiotics
  • Avoid heavy lifting for the period instructed (varies by procedure)
  • Attend all follow-up appointments - first usually 5–7 days post-op

When to call us after surgery

  • Fever above 38.5°C
  • Heavy bleeding or blood clots in urine
  • Inability to urinate with a full bladder feeling
  • Wound redness, swelling, or discharge
  • Severe pain not controlled by prescribed painkillers

WhatsApp +91 78382 86336 immediately. For after-hours emergencies, go to Apollo Hospital emergency.

Watch

Patient Education - Understanding Your Urology Diagnosis

Patient Education - Understanding Your Urology Diagnosis - YouTube

More videos on Dr. Nitin's YouTube channel →

Frequently asked questions

About consultations and investigations

General educational information helps you understand your condition and ask better questions. However, online resources cannot examine you, review your scans, or account for your individual history. Use this library to inform your questions - not to diagnose or decide treatment. Always discuss what you read with your urologist before making any decisions about your care.

Bring all reports in chronological order: blood tests (including PSA, creatinine, urea, CBC), urine culture results, ultrasound, CT, or MRI reports, and any previous consultation notes. If you have had surgery before, bring the operation report. A list of all current medications (including supplements) is also helpful. If you have multiple reports, a simple timeline summary helps the consultation run efficiently.

A first consultation at Dr. Nitin's clinic is typically 20–30 minutes. Complex cases with multiple reports or second opinions may run longer. Follow-up appointments are 10–15 minutes. Evening slots at Six Sigma Clinics, Sector 50 are spaced to allow unhurried consultations. If you have many reports or a complex history, mention this when booking so sufficient time can be allocated.

Go immediately to the nearest emergency department - do not wait for an appointment - if you have: complete inability to urinate (acute urinary retention), blood in the urine with clots causing difficulty urinating, severe pain in the flank or back with fever and chills (suggests obstructed infected kidney), or visible blood in urine that started suddenly and is heavy. These require same-day intervention and should not be managed at home.

Ready to take the next step?

Book a consultation with Dr. Nitin Shrivastava

15+ years of experience in complex urological surgery. MCh AIIMS Delhi · FRCS Oxford. Consulting at Apollo Hospital Gurugram (Sector 26) and Six Sigma Clinics (Sector 50).

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Share your concern below. Our team responds via WhatsApp or call on the same working day. For surgical second opinions, please attach your reports during the WhatsApp conversation that follows.

  • 5★ Google · 450+ reviews
  • MCh AIIMS Delhi · FRCS Oxford University, England
  • Patients from Delhi NCR, Jaipur, Patna, Lucknow, Chandigarh & beyond
  • Same-working-day response · No automated bots
Apollo Hospital Gurugram Sector 26, Palam Vihar Extension, Gurugram, Haryana 122017 Mon–Sat · By appointment
Six Sigma Clinics NEW Nirvana Courtyard, 407, C Block, Nirvana Country, Sector 50, Gurugram, Haryana 122018 Mon–Sat · 6:00–8:30 PM (by appointment)
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