Urology

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud to offer high-quality, comprehensive urology care to patients in the Upper Peninsula. Our resident urology specialist, Dr. Shahar Madjar, has conducted extensive research on female urology and urodynamics, bringing world-class training and expertise to Manistique. 

What Is Urology?

Urology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract (kidneys, adrenal glands, urinary bladder, ureter, and urethra). 

For male patients, urologists also focus on conditions of the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis). For female patients, urologists also treat conditions affecting the pelvic floor such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. For transgender patients, urologists can also help address concerns related to gender-affirming surgery and fertility preservation. 

Originally developed to address concerns related to the kidneys, bladder, and associated structures, urology has evolved to cover a broad spectrum of medical issues, catering to individuals of all ages and genders.

What Do Urologists Do?

Urologists encounter a wide range of clinical conditions and use a combination of surgery and internal medicine to treat these conditions. Urology is a surgical specialization, so urologists are able to perform a range of procedures. Some common urological surgeries include: 

• Vasectomy 
• Ureteroscopy
• Nephrectomy 
• Cystectomy

Urologists also prescribe medicine as indicated to help treat a wide range of conditions. As well, urologists may offer behavioral training to help with conditions affecting the pelvic floor. This training often involves exercises intended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. 

Who Needs To See A Urologist?

You may need to see a urologist if you are experiencing issues with your urinary system, pelvic floor, or male reproductive system. Some common issues that may lead patients to seek out care from a urologist include:

• Blood in urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Kidney stones
• Pain in the pelvic area 
• Bladder leakage
• Changes in urination, like feeling the need to urinate all the time
• Trouble getting or keeping an erection
• Experiencing a dropping feeling in your vagina or heaviness in that area

Patients may also want to see a urologist about issues concerning fertility or if there is a family history of urinary system cancers 

What You Can Expect During Your Visit With A Urologist

At your first visit with your urologist, come prepared to discuss why you are there. Consider writing down your concerns and symptoms that led you there to get the most out of your visit. Given the type of conditions that urologists care for, some patients may feel disconcerted to discuss their symptoms in detail. Remember that these symptoms are common and that urologists have years of experience helping patients with similar needs. 

At your first visit, you can expect your urologist to perform a physical examination and order additional testing to diagnose your condition and determine the course of treatment. Be aware that during your physical examination, your urologist may have to do a rectal exam or pelvic exam, depending on the symptoms that brought you in.

Your urologist may order urinalysis tests, blood tests, or semen tests. For these tests, you will have to provide a sample, so you may want to drink some water before the appointment in case you have to provide a urine sample. 

Your urologist may also order imaging to better screen for conditions. Urologists employ a number of imaging tests such as:

• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Pyelogram (urinary tract X-ray)
• Cystography (X-ray or fluoroscopy of the bladder)
• Prostate/rectal sonogram 
• Renal angiogram

What Urological Conditions Do We Offer Care For?

SMH offers medical and surgical care for a variety of urological conditions. We provide state-of-the-art medical testing, imaging, and surgical techniques, including a thulium laser for highly effective, minimally invasive ureteroscopic management of kidney and ureteral stones. 

At SCMH we offer care for all of the following conditions and more:

• Kidney stones
• Ureteral stones
• Lower urinary symptom
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic floor prolapse
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Elevated PSA
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Vasectomy

Recovering From Urological Surgery

Recovery time for urological surgeries will vary from patient to patient and depend on which surgery was performed. For many common surgical procedures, you can expect it to take about 6 to 8 weeks to make a full recovery. However, you will likely be able to return to work and begin progressing toward normal activity sooner. 

You should not rush the recovery process as it may interfere with healing and extend recovery times. Be sure to ask your doctor about any restrictions or precautions to take post-surgery and give you a clearer recovery timeline.

In many cases, you will be sent home on the same day or the next day after your surgery. You may be sent home with medications, a urinary catheter, or other aids to facilitate the healing process. Your doctor will inform you more about this before and after surgery. If you go home with a catheter, consider stocking up on supplies to empty, clean, and change it. You may want to consider getting gloves, disinfecting wipes, and accessories to make showering easier. 

Ultimately, the recovery process and home care will be different for each patient. Be sure to ask your doctor and nurses about care procedures and what you should or shouldn’t do. Be sure to keep an eye out for infection and call your doctor if you notice anything strange. 

Schedule A Urology Appointment

If you suspect you may need to meet with a urologist in Manistique or if you have been referred by your family doctor, contact us to book an appointment with Dr. Madjar.

MEET OUR UROLOGY SURGEON

Urology
SHAHAR MADJAR, M.D., MBA

READ BIO

Dr. Madjar is fellowship-trained in Female Urology and Urogynecology and has completed fellowship programs at the Section of Female Urology and Urodynamics at the University of Miami and at the Section of Female Urology and Voiding dysfunction at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Dr. Madjar was deeply involved in the research and development and in clinical trials of several devices for the treatment of women and men with urinary incontinence and bladder control problems.

His past medical education and previous appointments include: Assistant Professor of clinical Urology, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, NY.

Dr. Madjar is a member of the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Society of Urodynamics and Female Urology. He is an accomplished author of two books and has written articles for more than 50 publications in medical literature.

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