Urology Consult 💧

📋 Key Info to Have Ready

  • Patient identifiers: full name, date of birth, location, MRN
  • Admission reason: note that admission may not be for urology
  • Reason for consult and timeline (e.g. acute urinary retention, haematuria, catheter issues)
  • Relevant medical history: BPH, prostate cancer, urological surgeries, UTIs, stone disease
  • Medications: especially anticoagulants, alpha-blockers, anticholinergics, diuretics
  • Observations: vitals, urine output (amount, clarity, hematuria), bladder scan result
  • Recent interventions: catheterisation attempts (type, size, difficulty), irrigation, flushing
  • Bloods: U&E (particularly creatinine), FBC, coag profile if bleeding
  • Imaging: renal tract ultrasound or CT KUB if available
  • What you're seeking: advice on catheterisation, need for irrigation, consideration for flexible cystoscopy or further intervention

🔎 Investigations to Know

  • Bladder scan – volume pre/post void if relevant
  • U&E – assess renal function and need for decompression
  • FBC – look for signs of infection or hematuria
  • Coagulation – especially if bleeding or anticoagulated
  • Urine dip +/- culture – if signs of infection or unclear diagnosis
  • Imaging – CT KUB or renal ultrasound in case of suspected obstruction

📞 Example Script

  • Hi, this is [Your Name], the intern from the [Team Name]. I'm calling to request a urology consult for a [Age] year-old [M/F] patient with [e.g. urinary retention / haematuria / catheter issues].
  • They were admitted for [reason for admission], but now have a urology concern of [e.g. acute urinary retention, catheter blockage].
  • The patient has a background of [e.g. BPH, prostate cancer], and currently has [description of the problem – e.g. ongoing hematuria despite irrigation].
  • We've attempted [e.g. catheterisation with 16Fr Foley, flushed with saline], with [result].
  • U&E shows [creatinine, K+], FBC is [value], bladder scan shows [volume].
  • We're seeking your advice on [e.g. further catheter management, need for cystoscopy, plan for irrigation or admission].

📝 Tips

  • Document catheter type, size, insertion technique and drainage result
  • Mention if patient is on anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy
  • Clarify if issue is urgent (e.g. obstructive uropathy, clot retention)
  • Know whether they've had similar issues or interventions before
  • Have any imaging or bladder scan available at time of call