Urology is the surgical speciality that treats disease of the kidney and the urinary tract. This includes the ureter (tube connecting kidney above with the urinary bladder below), urinary bladder, urethra (water pipe), and the genital organs including the prostate in men.

Urologists are specialists in the above human body system (Water works Specialists!) and work closely with radiologists (CT scan and ultrasound specialists) and nephrologists (kidney physicians) in managing diseases of the urinary tract.


The Kidneys are the generators of the urinary system. They are responsible for the filtration of the body waste products, balance of mineral levels and production of important hormones. They balance various body functions such as optimising blood pressure, regulating blood flow, managing the mineral through-flow between the intestines and the urinary system.

Ureters are muscular tubes (approximately 22cms-28cms in length) which contracts and propels the urine down from the kidney into the urinary bladder.


Urological diseases of the upper urinary tract occur due to imbalance of these functions. This includes stone disease which present with pain in the flank (side of the back), blood in the urine or repeated urinary infections. Drainage obstruction can occur due to the narrowing of the ureter at any level and often results in the dilatation of the kidney drainage system requiring surgical correction.




The urinary bladder is an intriguing organ which could be obstructed from the prostate enlargement or cervical abnormalities or overactive due to the irritation of the bladder muscle (detrusor). The pelvis has a hammock of muscles which keep the the downward tubes (urinary and bowel) under tight control. Investigating this system is like an Engine ‘MOT’ with the Urologist deciphering the appropriate culprit organ before initiating medical, behavioural or surgical treatment.

Quarterly Newsletter


Enter your email address above to receive our quarterly newsletter.



Bristol Urology Associates,
85 Alma Road,
Bristol BS8 2DP

0117 980 41 18

Copyright © 2016 Joe Phillip Urology