Frequently Asked Questions

If you experience persistent difficulty starting or stopping urine, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine, frequent nighttime urination, or sudden inability to urinate, schedule a consultation. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Dr. Sandeep Bafna is a Consultant Reconstructive Urologist and Robotic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai. With 10+ years of specialist practice, he holds MBBS, MS General Surgery, DNB Urology, and MRCS (Edinburgh), and specialises in urethral stricture, complex reconstruction, robotic surgery, hypospadias, BPH, and women's fistula / stricture repair.

Dr. Sandeep Bafna consults at Apollo Hospitals, Sindoori Block, Greams Road, Chennai - 600006, Tamil Nadu, India. Room 68, 4th Floor.

Consultations are available Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. The clinic is closed on Sundays.

Yes. Patients travel from across India and internationally for urethral stricture surgery, kidney stone treatment, and reconstructive urology at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai.

Dr. Bafna focuses on reconstructive and robotic urology - urethral stricture and urethroplasty, adult hypospadias, complex genitourinary reconstruction, erectile dysfunction and penile implants, robotic upper-tract and bladder reconstruction, BPH (including UroLift), female urethral stricture, and urinary fistula repair.

Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road is a tertiary centre with advanced imaging, robotic surgery, endourology, ICU support, and multidisciplinary teams - suitable for complex urological conditions.

Dr. Bafna consults in English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi, and Telugu, helping patients from across India and abroad communicate comfortably.

Consultation fees vary by hospital policy and appointment type. Contact the clinic at +91-90432 52567 or use the website contact form for current fee information.

Yes. Emergency conditions such as urinary retention, severe stone colic, and acute urinary obstruction are managed at Apollo Hospitals with appropriate urgent care pathways.

Reconstructive urology restores structure and function of the urinary tract and genital organs after strictures, trauma, congenital defects, or complications from prior surgery.

Yes. Laser ureteroscopy (RIRS/URS) and mini-PCNL procedures break and remove stones with minimal discomfort and faster recovery. These methods are suitable for most stones and help reduce recurrence risk when combined with prevention planning.

Stones smaller than 5 mm often pass with increased fluid intake, pain medication, and alpha-blockers. Larger stones or those causing obstruction usually require ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, or PCNL.

Hot weather increases dehydration risk, concentrating urine and promoting crystal formation. High-sodium diets, oxalate-rich foods, low fluid intake, and metabolic conditions also contribute to kidney stones in Chennai.

Common symptoms include sharp pain in the back or side radiating to the groin, burning during urination, blood-tinged urine, nausea, and vomiting. Some stones are found incidentally on scans.

Drink 2.5-3 litres of water daily, reduce salt and animal protein, limit oxalate-rich foods, maintain healthy weight, and follow a metabolic workup if you have recurrent stones. Targeted medications may be prescribed based on stone type.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) removes large or complex kidney stones through a small back incision using an endoscope. Mini-PCNL uses even smaller tracts for faster recovery.

Renal colic from a passing stone typically lasts minutes to hours per episode. Obstructing stones causing persistent pain require urgent evaluation and may need intervention within 24-48 hours.

RIRS suits most intrarenal stones via natural urinary passage without skin incision. PCNL is preferred for very large stones (>2 cm) or complex anatomy. Your urologist selects based on stone size, location, and density.

Many patients resume light travel within a few days after ureteroscopy. PCNL may require 1-2 weeks before long journeys. Follow your surgeon's specific post-operative advice.

Limit salt, excessive animal protein, and high-oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate) if advised. Increase water intake to 2.5-3 litres daily unless restricted for other medical reasons.

Family history increases risk. Recurrent stone formers benefit from metabolic evaluation including 24-hour urine collection and blood tests to identify inherited or dietary predispositions.

SWL uses focused sound waves from outside the body to fragment stones in the kidney or upper ureter. It is non-invasive but may require multiple sessions and is not suitable for all stone types.

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue. It restricts urine flow, causing weak stream, straining, spraying, dribbling, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

No. Scar tissue does not disappear without treatment. The condition usually worsens over time if untreated and may affect bladder and kidney health.

Urethroplasty is reconstructive surgery to remove or repair the scarred urethral segment. For longer strictures, buccal mucosa graft from the inner cheek is often used. It offers the most durable results for many patients.

Yes. Repeated or traumatic catheterisation can irritate the urethral lining and lead to scarring. Proper technique and avoiding unnecessary catheter use reduce this risk.

Diagnosis includes uroflowmetry, ultrasound, retrograde urethrogram (RUG), and sometimes cystoscopy. These tests locate the stricture, measure its length, and guide treatment planning.

Dilation and internal urethrotomy stretch or cut scar tissue but do not remove it completely. Recurrence is common, especially for longer or complex strictures, which is why urethroplasty is often recommended.

Hospital stay is typically 3-5 days. Catheter remains for 2-3 weeks. Most patients return to desk work within 2-4 weeks; strenuous activity is restricted for 6-8 weeks per surgeon guidance.

Tissue from the inner cheek (buccal mucosa) is used to reconstruct the urethra when strictures are long or complex. It is a well-established technique with high long-term success rates.

Severe strictures may affect ejaculation. Reconstructive repair can restore normal voiding and, in selected cases, improve ejaculatory function. Individual assessment is needed.

Bladder neck contracture and urethral stricture can occur after TURP or other prostate procedures. Reconstructive urologists manage these with specialised repair techniques.

Uroflowmetry measures urine flow rate and pattern during voiding. A reduced peak flow rate suggests obstruction from stricture, BPH, or other causes and guides further testing.

Chronic perineal trauma from prolonged cycling is a rare contributor. More common causes include catheterisation, infection, trauma, and prior urological surgery.

Signs include weak or interrupted stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination especially at night, urgency, dribbling, and feeling the bladder is not empty. Men over 50 should seek evaluation if symptoms persist.

Treatment ranges from medications (alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) to smaller procedures such as UroLift, as well as TURP, HoLEP, laser vaporisation and water-jet ablation. The choice depends on prostate size, symptoms and your goals.

See a urologist if you wake multiple times at night to urinate, strain to start urination, experience sudden urgency, have blood in urine, or cannot urinate at all - the last requires emergency care.

No. BPH is non-cancerous prostate enlargement. Prostate cancer requires separate evaluation including PSA, examination, and biopsy when indicated. Both can cause urinary symptoms.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) removes enlarged prostate tissue using a laser, offering effective relief for BPH with durable results and suitability for large glands.

PSA interpretation depends on age, prostate size, and trend over time. Elevated or rising PSA warrants urology evaluation; it does not alone confirm cancer but guides further testing.

Untreated severe BPH with chronic urinary retention can cause hydronephrosis and kidney impairment. Timely treatment prevents this complication.

Transurethral resection of the prostate removes obstructing prostate tissue through the urethra without external incisions. It remains a standard surgical option for moderate to large BPH.

Alpha-blockers may cause dizziness or retrograde ejaculation. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can affect libido and take months for full effect. Your urologist balances benefits and side effects.

Men with urinary symptoms or risk factors should be evaluated regardless of age. PSA screening decisions are individualised, typically discussed from age 50, or 45 with family history.

Limit fluids before bed, reduce caffeine and alcohol, double void, and avoid decongestants. These help mild symptoms but moderate to severe BPH often needs medication or surgery.

Robotic-assisted surgery uses surgeon-controlled robotic arms for precise prostate, kidney, and bladder procedures through small incisions, often with less blood loss and faster recovery than open surgery.

Yes. Dr. Sandeep Bafna performs robotic-assisted urological procedures at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, for selected prostate, kidney, and bladder conditions.

Recovery varies by procedure. Many patients return to light activity within 1-2 weeks. Your surgeon will provide a personalised recovery plan based on the operation performed.

For selected procedures, robotic surgery offers precision, smaller incisions, and often less blood loss. Suitability depends on the condition, anatomy, and surgeon experience. Your urologist will recommend the best approach.

Localised prostate cancer patients suitable for radical prostatectomy may benefit from robotic approach. Staging, PSA, Gleason score, and overall health determine candidacy.

Many robotic procedures involve 1-3 days hospitalisation. Day-case robotic surgery is possible for selected patients per published protocols and individual assessment.

Most corporate and private health insurance plans cover medically indicated robotic procedures. Confirm with your insurer and Apollo Hospitals billing before surgery.

Both are minimally invasive. Robotic systems offer 3D vision, wristed instruments, and tremor filtration. Suitability depends on procedure type and surgeon expertise.

Robotic surgery is rarely needed for standard stones. It may assist in complex anatomical cases, such as stones in ectopic or reconstructed kidneys.

Robotic pyeloplasty repairs ureteropelvic junction obstruction - a blockage where the ureter meets the kidney - with precise suturing through keyhole incisions.

If erectile dysfunction persists beyond three months, especially with diabetes, heart disease, or after surgery, urology evaluation is recommended. ED can signal cardiovascular or hormonal issues.

Yes. Varicocele, hormonal imbalances, ejaculatory disorders, and certain medications can affect fertility. Semen analysis and hormonal profiling help guide treatment.

Psychological factors, performance anxiety, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, medications, and vascular disease can cause ED at any age. Evaluation identifies treatable causes.

PDE5 inhibitors are generally safe for most men when prescribed after cardiovascular assessment. They are contraindicated with certain heart medications - always consult a doctor first.

Treatment includes behavioural techniques, topical anaesthetics, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Combined approaches often work best under urology guidance.

Yes. Diabetes damages small blood vessels and nerves, making ED common. Good glucose control, lifestyle changes, and urology treatment improve outcomes.

Varicocele is enlarged veins around the testicle that may reduce sperm quality. Surgical repair is considered when semen parameters are impaired and infertility is documented.

Hypogonadism is diagnosed with morning testosterone levels and symptoms. Treatment options include lifestyle modification, gels, injections, or implants under endocrinology-urology coordination.

A routine urine examination typically shows 0 to 5 pus cells per high power field (HPF). Values in this range are usually normal, especially without urinary symptoms.

No. Occasional foam can be normal, especially with dehydration or fast urine flow. Persistent thick foam may indicate protein in urine and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Blood in urine (hematuria) can result from infection, stones, enlarged prostate, stricture, or bladder conditions. All cases warrant medical evaluation to identify the cause.

Common causes include BPH, urethral stricture, bladder outlet obstruction, and neurological conditions. Uroflowmetry and imaging help determine the underlying cause.

No. Elevated pus cells may indicate infection, inflammation, stones, or non-infectious conditions. Symptoms, urine culture, and clinical context determine whether antibiotics are needed.

Nocturia may result from BPH, overactive bladder, excessive evening fluid intake, heart failure, or diabetes. Urology evaluation identifies the cause and appropriate treatment.

Lower urinary tract symptoms include weak stream, hesitancy, frequency, urgency, and nocturia. Common causes in men include BPH, stricture, overactive bladder, and infection.

Visible blood with clots, inability to urinate, or blood with severe pain requires urgent care. Painless hematuria still needs prompt urology evaluation to exclude serious causes.

Concentrated urine from dehydration may show slightly elevated cells on testing. Repeat testing after hydration and correlation with symptoms is important before starting antibiotics.

Urodynamics measures bladder pressure and flow during filling and voiding. It helps diagnose obstruction, overactive bladder, and incontinence when history and examination are inconclusive.

Dehydration, certain foods, infection, or metabolic conditions can alter urine odour. Persistent change with other symptoms warrants medical evaluation.

Stress incontinence is common after vaginal delivery but is treatable. Pelvic floor exercises, medications, or sling surgery can restore bladder control in many women.

Stress incontinence is leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Urge incontinence is a sudden strong need to urinate with involuntary leakage. Treatment differs for each type.

Supervised pelvic floor exercises improve stress incontinence in many women when performed correctly and consistently for 8-12 weeks. Physiotherapy guidance improves success rates.

Mixed incontinence combines stress and urge components. Treatment may address both with combined physiotherapy, medications, and sometimes surgery for the stress element.

Mid-urethral sling surgery has high success rates with low complication rates in experienced hands. Risks include mesh erosion and voiding difficulty - discussed before consent.

Declining oestrogen weakens urethral and vaginal tissues, worsening stress incontinence. Local oestrogen, physiotherapy, and surgical options may help.

Overactive bladder causes urgency, frequency, and sometimes urge incontinence without infection. Behavioural therapy and medications are first-line treatments.

Seek evaluation if leakage affects daily activities, sleep, or confidence. Early treatment prevents progression and improves quality of life significantly.

Reconstructive urology treats urethral strictures, adult hypospadias, pelvic fracture urethral injuries, women's urethroplasty, complex genitourinary defects, penile reconstruction, and complications from prior urological surgery.

Reconstructive urologists specialise in urethroplasty and complex repairs, offering higher long-term success rates than repeated dilations or internal urethrotomy for many stricture types.

Trauma from pelvic fractures can tear the urethra. Delayed urethroplasty by a reconstructive specialist restores continuity and voiding function.

Yes. Recurrent strictures after dilation or prior urethroplasty often need specialised redo urethroplasty with graft or flap techniques.

Adult hypospadias or complications from childhood repair may need reconstructive surgery for functional and cosmetic outcomes. Individual assessment determines approach.

Dr. Sandeep Bafna offers penile reconstructive procedures for stricture-related defects, trauma, and selected andrological conditions at Apollo Hospitals.

Beyond urology qualification, fellowship training in reconstructive urology covers urethroplasty, trauma, and complex genitourinary repair over dedicated years of supervised practice.

Success rates for primary urethroplasty exceed 85-90% at 5 years for many stricture types. Long-term follow-up monitors for rare recurrence.

Call +91-90432 52567, message via WhatsApp, email info@drsandeepbafna.com, or use the contact form at drsandeepbafna.com/contacts.

Bring previous medical reports, urine and blood test results, imaging CDs or reports (ultrasound, CT, X-ray), list of medications, and a brief note of your symptoms and their duration.

Initial assessment may be done via teleconsultation for report review and planning. Physical examination and procedures require an in-person visit at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.

Routine consultations can often be scheduled within a few days. For urethroplasty or complex cases, initial consultation followed by planned surgery dates is typical.

Yes. Bring all prior reports, operative notes, and imaging for a comprehensive second opinion on stricture surgery, stone treatment, or other urological plans.

Apollo Hospitals provides visitor parking. Allow extra time during peak hours. The urology clinic is in Sindoori Block, Room 68, 4th Floor.

Pre-operative tests, medication review, and fasting instructions are provided before surgery. Stop blood thinners only as directed by your surgical team.

Yes. International patients can coordinate appointments via phone, email, or the contact form. Apollo Hospitals assists with travel and accommodation queries.

Message +91-90432 52567 via WhatsApp for appointment queries. Include your name, preferred date, and brief reason for consultation.