Urologists from ,Heart and Brain’ Hospital Burgas saved a man with laparoscopic surgery

The team of doctors has great clinical and research experience gained in leading clinics in the country and abroad

A few days ago, a 79-year-old man was admitted to the urology clinic at Heart and Brain Hospital Burgas. He had long-standing complaints of pain in the left lumbar region and the presence of blood in the urine. Imaging studies were immediately performed, after which a scan revealed hydronephrosis, with no evidence of a concrement (stones) in the ureter.

The patient had critically low haemoglobin and marked consumptive syndrome (weight loss). After performing a repeat imaging study – scanner with contrast – with no apparent cause of obstruction of the left ureter and viscous retention of urine in the left kidney, the specialists appointed ureteroscopy, which revealed complete blockage of the ureter by a solid formation. After a biopsy was taken, the histological result showed a transitional cell carcinoma.

Dr. Toni Statelov and his team perform a laparoscopic intervention to remove the kidney and ureter down to bladder level. The patient was discharged in excellent health after a short postoperative stay

The Department of Urology performs highly specialised diagnostic and surgical work-up of diseases of the kidney, ureters, bladder, prostate, penis and testes. It is equipped with latest generation surgical equipment to apply the most sparing and precise minimally invasive surgical techniques. Intraoperative ultrasonographic and radiographic monitoring is routinely applied when indicated.

The team of doctors has extensive clinical and research experience gained in leading clinics in the country and abroad. All doctors are engaged in research activities, teaching activities are also carried out

Since January 2022, Dr. Statelov is the head of the Urology Clinic in ‘Heart and Brain’ Burgas.

– Dr. Statelov, how did you come to urology as a specialty?

– I have always had an interest in surgical specialties, and urology uses mainly surgical methods, although we also apply conservative treatment in certain circumstances. Besides, the specialty is very modern, new devices are being introduced all the time. Urologists were among the first to use laser systems, laparoscopic methods and robotic treatment. This combination is very attractive to me because I believe in modern, bloodless treatment. I am happy to be part of the team of ‘Heart and Brain’ Burgas, where I can confidently say – every doctor would dream of working. The hospital has excellent specialists and equipment.

– Dr. Statelov, what are the “signal lights” that we should not ignore when we talk about urological diseases.

– Definitely blood in the urine, especially when present without additional symptomatology – alerts to a problem. The condition requires immediate consultation with a urologist. The symptom can be due to several causes, but we recommend patients not to make their diagnosis only on the basis of information provided by the Internet. Urine turns red in the presence of more than 1ml of blood in 1l of urine.

Bladder cancer is in the top five most common cancers – after prostate, lung and colon cancer. Haematuria (the presence of red blood cells in the urine) in this case is painless and requires urgent referral to a specialist. Bleeding is the only symptom of this type of cancer, which most often affects men but also occurs in women. Bladder tumors in over 95% of cases are malignant and very often recur. If detected at an early stage, they can be successfully treated by transurethral (‘bloodless’, through the urinary canal) surgery without having to remove the bladder.

The key to successful treatment of bladder cancer is having an experienced and highly skilled team of medical professionals and having modern equipment to detect it at an early stage. We at ‘Heart and Brain’ Burgas pride ourselves on both of these factors.