Suffolk Urology

Mr Yardy can offer surgical treatment for children as young as one year old in the Garrett Anderson Centre.

Foreskin problems

Phimosis

The medical term “phimosis” (“muzzling” in Greek) refers to a tight, or non-retractile, foreskin. Before birth, the foreskin is attached to the head of the penis and, at birth, almost all boys have a non-retractile foreskin. By puberty, all but around 1% of boys’ foreskins will go back. Therefore, for most boys with a tight foreskin, the problem will resolve without treatment as they grow.

“Physiological phimosis” is a term for a normally developing foreskin which is not able to go back yet.

“Ballooning” of the foreskin on passing urine is something which normally happens with physiological phimosis and is not a reason, on its own, for a child to need a circumcision.

A high-strength steroid cream can sometimes help a tight foreskin. The steroid’s side-effect of skin thinning can loosen the foreskin and allow it to go back.

Balanoposthitis (or just balanitis)

Balanoposthitis (or just balanitis) is a severe infection of the end of the penis. It can be very distressing for the child.

Some boys develop thickening and scarring of the foreskin following balanitis and will therefore require a circumcision. Some boys suffer recurrent episodes of balanitis and undergo circumcision to avoid the distress of further episodes.

Adhesions

In some boys the foreskin will go back partially but is still stuck to some areas of the head of the penis. These are termed “adhesions”. They are part of normal development of the foreskin as they are areas where the foreskin has not separated from the head of the penis. They rarely require treatment as they will usually separate fully as the child grows.

In boys who develop urinary infections and have abnormalities in the development / formation of their urinary system, it is usual to recommend circumcision as this has been shown to reduce future infections. This has not, however, been found to hold true for boys with otherwise normal urinary systems.

Paraphimosis

is a condition where the foreskin becomes stuck back. Sometimes people need to go to hospital to get it to go forward again. Often, when this happens, a circumcision is required subsequently to stop it from happening again.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans(BXO)

(now known as lichen sclerosus) is a condition of unknown cause which can result in thickening, scarring, cracking and pain in the foreskin. It is the main reason for circumcision to be performed in adults.

Zoon’s balanitis

is a rarer form of inflammation of the head of the penis and inner foreskin. There are a number of treatments but it is usually cured by circumcision.

Groin problems

Problems with the position of the testis

Before birth, a boy’s testes are in the abdomen. At around the 28th week of pregnancy they move along the groin and into the scrotum. “Cryptorchidism” or an “undescended testis” is a testis that has got stuck somewhere along this normal path of descent from abdomen to groin to scrotum. This is noted in 1.5 – 2% of boys born at term and is more common in premature babies. If the testis does not come down to the normal position in the first few months of life then an “orchidopexy” operation will be required to move it down into the scrotum.

As the testis passes through the groin, a thin layer of muscle becomes attached to it. In a boy with a “retractile” testis, this muscle layer is particularly active and can easily pull the testis up into the groin. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between a retractile testis and a true undescended testis. Retractile testes are normally functioning testes and rarely require surgery. They usually become less retractile and easier to find as the boy gets older

Hydrocoele

As the testis descends through the groin into the scrotum before birth, it passes through a tube called the processus vaginalis. This tube usually closes off behind the testis shortly before or after birth. If the tube remains open (a “patent processus vaginalis” or PPV) it can allow fluid to pass from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum to form a fluid collection around the testis called a “hydrocoele”.

In most boys born with a hydrocolele it will settle spontaneously during the first 12 months of life as the PPV closes. Boys with hydrocoeles which persist beyond 1 year of age or appear for the first time later in childhood are likely to require a small operation to close off the PPV.

Inguinal hernia

As well as allowing fluid to pass, a PPV can also contain other contents of the abdomen such as a small piece of fat or bowel. This is how an inguinal hernia forms.

An operation to repair an inguinal hernia in a child is essentially the same as an operation to repair a PPV

TESTIMONIALS

I was very satisfied with all aspects of the care I received from Mr Yardy and particularly appreciated his intervention on my behalf to secure a single room at the Ipswich Hospital in view of my being a covid 19 'high risk patient' . I was also grateful that he liaised with my Haematology consultant regarding my regular medication prior to and after surgery.

Calm clear and friendly advice. Yes the procedure was not great but I was ready for it! The important thing is that I am now back to my old self and I am very grateful.

He took great care in explaining both the the situation and the options in a positive way.

Absolutely no pressure to undertake surgery or be rushed to have it done immediately.Once a plan was agreed it all happened very efficiently.

At all times he made himself availably if further information or consultation was need.

Excellent service from initial consultation through to surgery and follow up consultation. Correspondence from Wendy Gudgin (Secretary) was also excellent and very efficient.

I was very satisfied with all aspects of the care I received from Mr Yardy and particularly appreciated his intervention on my behalf to secure a single room at the Ipswich Hospital in view of my being a covid 19 'high risk patient' . I was also grateful that he liaised with my Haematology consultant regarding my regular medication prior to and after surgery.

The proceedure was carried out on my Grandson who needed to be circumcised due to medical reasons. He was treated with great understanding [George is 12] and information on the operation was explained in a clear manner. George had every confidence that this was going to be a safe and necessary.

Utterly professional and exudes confidence. As a patient he comes across as a safe and experienced pair of hands which is most reassuring.

Mr Yardy clearly explained the procedure before my operation and answered all my questions afterwards.

Explanation of possible causes of the problem was so in-depth and expertly explained and extremely reassuring.

Mr Yardy has monitored my prostate ever since an enlargement was identified 3 years ago. His approach to analysis of data is extremely thorough and his explanations are clear and concise providing sufficient detail for a layman to understand the diagnosis.

I have a further MRI scan which I hope will provide the 'all clear' but nevertheless it is my intention to continue to have regular examinations by Mr Yardy as this will give me peace of mind.

Very professional with an empathetic approach. Always willing to take the time to explain in details such things as options and possible outcomes. I would have no problem in recommending his services.

Mr Yardy and his colleague did a great job of putting me at ease before the start of the procedure. He indicated what the experience would be like in realistic terms but not such as would cause anxiety. The start of the procedure was as described. The view from the cystoscope on screen was mesmerising. Mr Yardy gave a commentary as he proceeded which was most helpful. There were a few twinges of discomfort but nothing severe. After the procedure we had a full and very helpful discussion about options and homed in on what I think is the best course of action for me. This was my second visit to the urology assessment suite (first for cytoscopy) and I have found all the staff very friendly and helpful.

Mr Yardy is kind and considerate and explains things so that I can understand. It cannot be easy talking to an elderley lady (that's me!) about the problems I present with! I was made to feel valid rather than a bit of a nuisance!

Mr Yardy was an amazing consultant who asked every detailed until he got to the bottom of my problem. With his amazing knowledge he has made made me better and i’m very great full he was my consultant.

I found Mr Yardy to be very professional and able to explain and reassure me with the problems that I presented him with.

Fantastic doctor who i trust.

My son was welcomed by two very confident happy and professional Drs..they made him feel very comfortable and at ease for a very private matter for a nearly 15 yr old. He felt at ease and was explained at every point of consultation what was happening especially his examination.

I found Mr Yardy a very pleasant man who was able to explain very clearly to me the different stages of the procedure I was considering to have done.

I found Mr Yardy to be an excellent Consultant. His manner was calming and reassuring. He was very good at explaining the procedure I was having and the outcome.

Overall my Rezum treatment has been very successful with a huge improvement in the symptoms previously experienced.

I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Yardy and his support team for the consultation and procedure that i undertook.

Mr Yardy was recommended by my oncologist following my diagnosis with advanced prostrate cancer. He handled our appointment with sensitivity and a clear picture of how we would proceed with the investigation. It was a very calming and assuring appointment after the shock diagnosis.His secretary was most helpful in keeping the process and appointments on time.

I am very satisfied with the treatment a received from George Y his explanation of what my options were on my consultation and with what will happen when i went for the TURP surgery was all very clear and easily understood.

I had been in real prostrate trouble for some time and had the prospect of a very long wait and much uncertainty in resolving this. Mr Yardy gave me very clear information extremely helpful advice and the attention and time to discuss my concerns fully. When I went into surgery I felt well prepared for the procedure and confident in getting the best care. Not only has the procedure proved very successful but throughout I felt Mr Yardy gave me his full personal attention both during the process and in the post-op recuperation and follow-up. I am truly grateful for the professional service I received and the individual care and attention offered to me as an individual.

Mr Yardy has been honest understanding and approachable. He has emphasized his willingness to be contatcted if I have felt uncertainty. I am very grateful for his understanding.

I found Mr Yardy very approachable and knowledgeable. He explained things in a way I could understand. He even managed to make me smile during a not very comfortable (but not painful) procedure. A very gentle man.

Very pleased from my first appointment to my last one with Mr Yardy. He listened to me was genuinely interested in my health and made me feel at ease throughout my consultations. As a result of Mr Yardy's advice care and treatment I am now back to full health. Thank you.

I have always found Mr Yardy to be friendly polite and very knowledge in all aspects of my experience with him.

Very good at explaining to both adults and my son (11) what would be happening and possible outcomes etc. This made the whole experience a very calm and productive one. Surgery was an excellent experience for hearing and the final result. All in all excellent.

Mr Yardy was both friendly and professional at all times. The only problem was in the level of pain experienced with the procedure which far greater than I had expected but that was probably due to my condition.

A delightful person. His manner was reassuring and so gentle. I did not feel that I was wasting his time.

"I had a telephone conference with Mr Yardy due to the Corona Virus. He came up with a clear treatment plan which he implemented with a clear and concise letter sent to relevant individuals a copy of which was sent to me.

Very easy relationship providing great reassurance when having concern initially. Appropriate checks swiftly arranged and followed up. Great confidence in his knowledge and ability during continuing monitoring. Discussions conducted in easily understood form and questions fully answered. Very appreciative of care given.

Excellent intermittent catheter (which proved to be excellent advice) and to explain steaming.


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