Uro- (UR-) is a prefix used in medical terminology to denote structures and processes related to the urinary system. It is derived from the Greek word “uros”, which means “urine”. The urinary system is composed of organs that excrete urine, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urological diseases can affect any of these organs and can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, nephrolithiasis, and kidney failure.
The prefix Uro- is used to denote a wide range of medical conditions and procedures related to the urinary system. For example, Urolithiasis is the medical term for the formation of stones in the urinary tract. Urologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases. A cystoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a special instrument to view the inside of the bladder and urethra. Urodynamics is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the pressure and flow of urine.
Uro- is also used in the naming of drugs and medical devices used to treat conditions of the urinary system. For example, Urocit-K is a drug used to treat kidney stones. UroLift is a device used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The prefix Uro- is an important part of the medical language used to describe and treat conditions of the urinary system.
References
Keto, C. (2015). Medical Terminology: A Living Language (6th ed.). Pearson.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2020). Kidney Stones. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2020). Urologic Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2020). Urocit-K (sodium citrate). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/019516s076lbl.pdf.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2020). UroLift System. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf13/P130019a.pdf.