Urology

Urologists at HMC in Sugar Land

Antoine Makhlouf M.D.
(713) 781-4600

Dr Makhlouf manages all aspects of adult urology.  He has particular interests in male infertility procedures ( including sperm extraction for in vitro fertilization and  reversal of vasectomy) , and minimally invasive management of enlarged prostate ( BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia) using the Urolift and laser vaporization procedures .

What is Urology?

According to Oxford Dictionary, urology is “the branch of medicine and physiology concerned with the function and disorders of the urinary system.”  Because many urological problems can be handled by a family doctor, a urologist is often called for more serious issues.

What a Urologist Does

Urologists aim to diagnose and treat diseases of the organs in the urinary tract — kidneys, bladder, and urethra — and male reproductive organs.  Treatments for urological problems range from doing nothing at all to surgical intervention.  Many problems may go away on their own with time and minimal treatment while others need closer attention and management.  Surgery may be required for more serious urological situations or conditions.  Urologists are trained in urological surgery and patients will not usually need to be transferred to another surgeon.

One important task of the urologist is the prevention and removal of cancer.  If malignant tumors are found early, doctors have a higher chance of removing the affected cells and preventing them from returning.  Urological cancers are particularly dangerous, especially for men, and it is important to catch them early so they can be treated.

Education Requirements for Urologists

Physicians seeking to be a urologist must first earn an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree from an accredited medical school.  After graduation, physicians will enter a residency that can take anywhere from two to six years to complete.  Once their residency training is complete, physicians are required to become licensed to practice and usually do this by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination.  Once this is passed, physicians can begin to practice urology independently.