Perth urologist
Perth urologist | What to expect when visiting a urologist
Learn what a urologist does, when to see one, and what to expect from your first appointment with Dr Jennifer Kong in Perth, including public, private and robotic surgery options.
You may have been referred by your GP with blood in the urine, kidney stones, bladder problems, a raised PSA, or trouble passing urine.
You may also be feeling unsure about what a urologist actually does, whether you will need surgery, and what will happen at the first appointment.
For many people, this is all new.
A urologist treats conditions affecting the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Urologists also treat prostate problems and a range of male urological conditions.
Seeing a urologist does not automatically mean you need surgery. Often, the first step is understanding what is going on, reviewing your symptoms and test results, and talking through the treatment options.
- Dr Jennifer Kong, Urological Surgeon Perth
Urological treatments
What does a urologist treat?
A urologist manages problems involving the urinary system in both men and women.
This can include:
- kidney stones
- enlarged prostate
- prostate cancer
- raised PSA
- ureter problems or blockage
- male incontinence
- urinary symptoms after prostate treatment
- blood in the urine
- recurrent urinary tract infections
- bladder symptoms
trouble passing urine - bladder tumours
- kidney tumours and cysts
Urologists also manage male genital issues including:
- Tight foreskin
- Testicular masses, swellings
- Penile curvature
Some problems are straightforward. Others need more time, more tests, or a careful review of what has already been tried.
Why you might be referred to a urologist
There are many reasons your GP may refer you to a urologist.
You may have symptoms that need specialist assessment. You may have had a scan, blood test or urine test that needs follow-up. Or you may already know the diagnosis and need advice about treatment.
Sometimes the issue is urgent. Sometimes it has been bothering you for a long time but never fully sorted out.
Either way, the aim of the appointment is to work out what is causing the problem and what the next step should be.
When symptoms start to affect daily life
A lot of people put up with urinary symptoms for longer than they should.
Sometimes that is because the problem feels embarrassing. Sometimes it is because they assume it is just part of ageing. Sometimes they are not sure who to see.
But bladder, prostate and urinary problems can affect one’s quality of life significantly.. They can affect sleep, work, exercise, confidence, travel, intimacy and social life.
If symptoms are affecting the things you enjoy and what you do day to day, it may be time to get them checked properly.
What to expect at your first appointment
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first appointment is usually about getting the full picture.
This may include talking about:
- your symptoms
- how long they have been going on
- past medical history
- previous treatment or surgery
- medication you take
- blood tests, urine tests, scans or biopsy results
- how much the problem is affecting your daily life
An examination may also be needed, depending on the reason for referral.
Some people leave the first visit with a clear plan straight away. Others may need more tests before a treatment decision is made.
What to bring to your appointment?
It helps to bring any relevant information you already have.
This may include:
- your referral letter
- a list of medications
- recent scans or imaging reports
- pathology or blood test results
- any hospital letters or operation notes
- private health insurance details, if relevant
If you are unsure what to bring, our practice can let you know before your appointment.
Will I need surgery?
Not always.
Many urological conditions can be managed without surgery. Some people need tests first. Some need medication. Some need monitoring over time. Others may benefit from a procedure or operation.
That depends on the problem, how severe it is, what has already been tried, and what matters most to you.
The first step is making the diagnosis clearly and then talking through the options.
- Dr Jennifer Kong, Urological Surgeon Perth
Some urological operations can be performed using robotic surgery.
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive keyhole surgery. The surgeon controls the robot at all times. It is not a machine making decisions on its own.
For some procedures, robotic surgery may allow smaller cuts and a different recovery compared with traditional open surgery. Whether it is suitable depends on the condition, the type of operation, and the individual patient.
Dr Kong is trained on the Da Vinci robotic platform and offers robotic urological surgery where appropriate.
Public and private urology care in Perth
Some patients are seen through the public system, while others choose private care.
The right pathway depends on your condition, how urgent it is, your referral, your insurance status, and your personal preferences.
Private care may offer choice of surgeon and dates for surgery. Public care may be the right option for some patients depending on complexity, access, timing and individual circumstances.
This is something that can be discussed during the referral and consultation process, so you understand what options are available to you.
Dr Kong sees public patients through Osborne Park Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Privately insured patients are seen through her rooms, and private robotic surgery is performed at St John of God Subiaco. Public robotic surgery is performed at Osborne Park Hospital.
Urologist Perth
About Dr Jennifer Kong
Dr Jennifer Kong is a urological surgeon in Perth who treats a wide range of urological conditions in both men and women.
She has particular experience in areas including male urology, bladder and urinary symptoms, prostate conditions, kidney stones, post prostatectomy incontinence, and reconstructive urology.
Dr Kong provides assessment and treatment for a range of urological problems and explains the available options clearly, including further testing, non-surgical treatment, and surgery where appropriate. She also performs robotic surgery in Perth for select procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
A urologist treats conditions affecting the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Urologists also treat prostate problems and a range of male urological conditions.
No. Seeing a urologist does not automatically mean you need surgery. Many people need assessment, tests, monitoring or medication before any procedure is considered.
Bring your referral, medication list, recent blood tests, urine results, scan reports, and any hospital letters or previous operation details if you have them.
Public and private care each have a role. The best option depends on your condition, urgency, referral pathway, insurance status, and personal preferences. Dr Kong works in both the public and private systems in Perth, and this can be discussed as part of your treatment planning where relevant.
Private care offers choice of surgeon and flexible dates for surgery. Public care may be the right option for some patients depending on complexity, access, timing and individual circumstances.
Cost can be a factor in deciding whether to go public or private. In general, private care can attract out of pocket fees for consultations, surgery, anaesthetists, pathology and hospital services. In public, all services are covered.
No. Not every Perth urologist performs robotic surgery. Dr Kong offers robotic surgery for the below conditions
-> Ureteric re-implantation
-> Radical prostatectomy
-> Pyeloplasty
-> Partial nephrectomy
Yes. Urologists treat both men and women. Women may see a urologist for issues such as recurrent UTIs, blood in the urine, bladder symptoms, kidney stones or masses, or other urinary tract problems. Men may see a urologist for these problems too, as well as prostate and testicular conditions, raised PSA, trouble passing urine, male incontinence, and other male urological concerns.
-> All treatments
Contact
Kong Urology | Dr Jennifer Kong
Get in touch
Dr Jennifer Kong consults in
West Leederville close to SJOG Subiaco
164 Cambridge Street
WEST LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
Australia