Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Urology

Urology
4
12087
4
Second semester
OB
Main language of instruction: Catalan

Teaching staff


Students may consult the teaching staff with questions at the end of each class. Outside of these times, an appointment must be requested in advance via email:

Introduction

Urology is a medical and surgical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the urinary system in both sexes (kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra), as well as the male reproductive system (testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis).

Pre-course requirements

It is a prerequisite that the student has taken or is enrolled in the following courses:

- Semiology and Physiopathogenesis

- Pharmacology

 

To have passed the following subjects:

- S&F: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal System.

- S&F: Reproductive System

Objectives

  • Master the urological medical-surgical terminology, facilitating understanding and communication in the clinical setting.

  • Acquire the necessary skills to perform a proper anamnesis, in order to develop a comprehensive urological medical history focused on the most relevant information.

  • Develop technical skills for identifying signs and symptoms characteristic of urological pathology.

  • Perform a focused and effective physical examination, aimed at diagnosing the most common urological diseases.

  • Recognize urological pathologies through imaging diagnostic techniques, interpreting complementary tests accurately.

  • Encourage the development of an analytical and problem-solving attitude, enabling the management of various clinical problems with sound clinical reasoning.

  • Understand the theoretical foundations of urological surgery, as well as the main surgical techniques used to treat the most frequent urological conditions.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • 15 - Ability to formulate an initial diagnosis and establish a rationalised diagnostic strategy.
  • 17 - Establish the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, applying principles based on the best information possible and safe clinical practice..
  • 18 - To indicate the most appropriate (pharmacological, surgical, psychological, social or other) treatments that are pertinent to the most prevalent procedures, in terms of rehabilitation and also terminally ill patients, including an evaluation of their effectiveness.
  • 19 - Propose preventive measures appropriate to each clinical situation.

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • Master the terminology and medical language of urology, ensuring precise and effective communication in the clinical setting.

  • Conduct a complete and focused anamnesis specific to urological pathology, to develop a detailed medical history with the most relevant information for an accurate diagnosis.

  • Acquire the ability to recognize urological diseases through the interpretation of various imaging diagnostic techniques.

  • Perform and interpret urological diagnostic tests, such as cystoscopy, urodynamic studies, and others.

  • Understand the different urological surgical techniques and their indications, knowing when and why they are used.

  • Provide well-founded arguments for surgical indications, based on clinical criteria and scientific evidence.

  • Know the technique of bladder catheterization and its correct performance, ensuring patient safety and comfort.

Syllabus

LECTURES

Topic 1. Introduction
Concept and history of urology. Brief review of urological anatomy and semiology.

Topic 2. Congenital urogenital malformations
Upper and lower urinary tract. Renal anomalies in number, size, position, and fusion. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Hydronephrosis. Ectopia. Ureterocele. Vesicoureteral reflux. Bladder exstrophy. Epispadias and hypospadias. Urethral valves. Cryptorchidism. Ectopic testicle. Congenital hydrocele.

Topic 3. Urological tumors I
Renal tumor and prostate tumor.

Topic 4. Urological tumors II
Bladder/urothelial tumor, penile tumor, and testicular tumor.

Topic 5. Urinary infections
Cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, orchiepididymitis, prostatitis, catheter-associated urinary infections, Fournier’s gangrene, xanthogranulomatous chronic pyelonephritis, emphysematous pyelonephritis, urinary tuberculosis, urinary sepsis, and septic shock.

Topic 6. Urinary lithiasis
Crystal formation, metabolic study, renal colic. Medical and surgical treatment. Extracorporeal lithotripsy.

Topic 7. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Anatomy, physiology, clinical features. Acute and chronic urinary retention. Medical and surgical treatment.

Topic 8. Urogenital trauma and benign scrotal pathology
Renal, ureteral, bladder, urethral, and testicular trauma. Varicocele, adult hydrocele, hematocele, epididymal cyst, and spermatocele.

Topic 9. Renal transplantation
Surgical technique and nephrological aspects.

Topic 10. Penile pathology and andrology
Balanoposthitis, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, and priapism.

Topic 11. Male infertility

Topic 12. Urological emergencies
Renal colic, acute urinary retention, hematuria, infectious pathology, paraphimosis, acute scrotum (testicular torsion and torsion of the appendix testis).

CASE-BASED METHOD
  • Case 1: Renal and prostate tumors (Pathological anatomy).

  • Case 2: Urothelial, testicular, and penile tumors (Pathological anatomy).

  • Case 3: Lumbar pain and fever. Management of renal colic.

  • Case 4: Hematuria.

  • Case 5: Functional bladder pathology. Urodynamic study. Stress urinary incontinence. Overactive bladder. Neurogenic bladder. Medical and surgical treatment.

  • Case 6: Urinary symptoms and pharmacological treatment.

  • Case 7: Elevated PSA.

  • Case 8: Renal masses and bladder lesions.

SKILLS LABS

SL 1. Bladder catheterization and digital rectal exam
Types of catheters, technique, indications, and complications.
Digital rectal exam: indications, technique, and prostate TNM staging.

SL 2. Advanced endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical techniques
Cystoscopy and endoscopic imaging: equipment, technique, anatomical structure identification, and findings.
Urological laparoscopy: equipment, technique, learning dissection and laparoscopic suturing.

SL 3. Urological imaging diagnostics
Plain abdominal X-ray, intravenous urography, voiding cystourethrography, ultrasound, CT urography, magnetic resonance imaging, and selective angiography.

 

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • The lecture is a setting where the professor conveys knowledge to the entire group of students in the classroom. However, this format also allows for the inclusion of small group activities within the classroom, as well as the implementation of strategies that encourage active student participation.

  • The case method involves the process of solving clinical cases or professional scenarios. These are group activities carried out with the active involvement of the professor, who guides and moderates the discussion after students have deliberated and analyzed the case.

  • The skills laboratory is a space where students can develop communication and physical examination skills using mannequins and robotic simulators of real diseases. These activities are conducted in small groups to enhance practical and personalized learning.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



Evaluation Criteria

  • Students are expected to be punctual, attentive, and actively participate in class.

  • Attendance at the lecture is not mandatory but highly recommended.

  • Attendance at case method sessions is not mandatory but will positively impact the final grade.

  • Attendance at the final case method session, called the "Uro-Oncology Committee," is mandatory.

  • Attendance at the skills laboratory is mandatory.

  • The minimum passing grade is 5.00 out of 10.00.

First Examination Period

  • Midterm Exam (20%)
    Multiple-choice test with 25 questions on theoretical concepts, radiological, microscopic, or macroscopic images, and clinical case resolution.

    • Covers all material taught up to that point.

    • Unjustified absence results in loss of that exam percentage.

    • Each question has 4 options; 1 point awarded per correct answer, with a penalty of -1/3 for each incorrect answer.

  • Final Exam (60%)
    Multiple-choice test with 50 questions covering the entire course content.

    • Passing the final exam is required to pass the course.

    • Each question has 4 options; 1 point awarded per correct answer, with a penalty of -1/3 for each incorrect answer.

  • Collaborative Work (20%)
    Teamwork will be assessed according to established criteria.

Second Examination Period

  • Second Exam (80%)
    Multiple-choice or short-answer exam covering the entire course content.

    • Passing this exam is required to pass the course.

    • Maximum achievable grade is 7/10.

    • Alternatively, assessment may be based on an oral exam.

  • Collaborative Work (20%)
    If attending the second exam period, the grade for collaborative work will be retained.

   

Bibliography and resources

BOOKS

Campbell-Walsh Urology (12th ed.). Elsevier

Hinman’s Atlas of Urologic Surgery (4th ed.). Elsevier

Libro del residente de la Asociación Española de Urología (AEU). GSK

Atlas quirúrgico de urología práctica (2.ª ed.). Elsevier

 

UROLOGY ASSOCIATIONS

Societat Catalana d'Urologia

Asociación Española de Urología

Asociación Europea de Urología

Asociación Americana de Urologia

Confederación Americana de Urologia

 

WEB RESOURCES

Websurg: https://websurg.com/

Videoteca de la AEU: https://videoteca.aeu.es/

Escuela de Laparoscopia: https://escuela de laparoscopia.org/

Planetacademia: https://planetacademia.com/

Urology cheat sheets: https://urologycheatsheets.or

 

JOURNALS

Actas Urológicas: www.actasurologicas.info

Archivos Españoles de Urología: www.arch-espanoles-de-urologia.es

BJUI Internacional: www.bjui.org

 

 

Teaching and learning material