Dhaka: Despite the advent of expensive robotic surgery, laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, which are performed without opening the abdomen, continue to be highly popular in urological treatment. The government has initiated a plan to deliver these advanced and affordable services to people's doorsteps across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Dr. PC Biswas, head of the Department of Urology at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), discussed the current state of urology services and public awareness in the country. He noted that in the past, individuals were unable to clearly identify urological problems and often sought care from general surgery or medicine departments. However, awareness has significantly increased, and both men and women now directly consult urologists for issues related to abdominal or waist pain, lower abdominal discomfort, or urinary complications.
Prof. Biswas explained that modern urological treatment predominantly involves surgery, although certain conditions like infections can be managed with medications such as antibiotics. Advanced techniques now allow for the treatment of stones or tumors without traditional open surgery. Procedures like URS, ICPL, laser therapy, PCNL, and RIRS enable precise treatment of kidney or bladder tumors through laparoscopic surgery.
While robotic surgery is gaining popularity in the developed world for its precision in cancer and tumor operations, Prof. Biswas highlighted its high cost in the current socio-economic context of the country. He stressed the need for robotic surgery at tertiary-level medical institutions to maintain global standards, while emphasizing the importance of prioritizing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery for the general population.
The Bangladesh Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) has initiated efforts to decentralize these surgeries by expanding them beyond Dhaka to divisional and district-level medical colleges. Local faculty and trainers are being developed to conduct workshops and train urologists outside Dhaka, enabling them to provide advanced healthcare at a lower cost in their own districts.
On the prevention of kidney and urological diseases, Prof. Biswas warned against the misconception that drinking large amounts of water always benefits kidney health. He advised that water intake should be balanced according to individual factors such as age, weight, and environment. He also recommended avoiding excessive consumption of red meat and certain vegetables, as well as exposure to chemicals and smoking, to reduce the risk of urological diseases.
Prof. Biswas further advised individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure to adhere to proper management guidelines, as these conditions can directly damage the kidneys if left uncontrolled.