Technological Advances in Urology and Nephrology

Alex D'Souza, Medical Tech Outlook | Sunday, March 15, 2020

There is now a push to use neural implants instead of traditional medicine to treat incontinence, bladder and bowel control problems. It is bringing implant technology into the patient's hands. Neuroelectrical stimulation, for example, may give the patient more control over their treatment.

FREMONT, CA: Improving results and reducing the pressure on the healthcare system are the two key factors driving health technology forward. Many physicians believe that significant technological advances would not impact them throughout their lifetime. Artificial bladders, tracheas, and other basic body parts are being used now, but artificial kidneys and livers are not yet capable of supporting life. Advancements that have the potential to alter the landscape of nephrology and urology drastically include:

Neurostimulation

Neurostimulation is one of the fascinating developments. For years, this procedure has been used to treat chronic pain and Parkinson's disease. However, there is now a push to use neural implants instead of traditional medicine to treat incontinence, bladder and bowel control problems. It is bringing implant technology into the patient's hands. Neuroelectrical stimulation, for example, may give the patient more control over their treatment.

Dialysis

Portable dialysis is another procedure that keeps patients out of the doctor's office. Although the technology is now available, it will become more widely used in the future. Not only would this minimize the need for dialysis facilities, but it will also improve how doctors communicate with their patients. For instance, compare potential office visits to getting a car in for a checkup. Doctors will zap the system to ensure it is functioning properly, tweak the regimen, and send the patients on their way, and they might not even have to go to the hospital to do it; it might be possible to do it from home.

Patient Messaging

Most doctors do not communicate with patients outside of the office, although this is evolving rapidly. Many doctors use patient portals to communicate with their patients through secure messaging. Even though electronic health records from different organizations cannot communicate with one another, patients can access information from their various providers through these portals. Outside of conventional office visits, physicians would most likely communicate with patients through video conferencing. When insurers develop vehicles for reimbursement, it will be used much more.