本患者教育中心汇集了最常见泌尿外科和消化道疾病的清晰循证指南——为患者、家属和护理人员撰写。主题包括肾结石（肾结石病）、尿路感染（UTI）、GERD、Barrett食管、消化性溃疡疾病、大肠癌、炎症性肠病（IBD）、憩室疾病和结肠镜检查。每份指南解释疾病状况、诊断方式、可用治疗选择，以及对包括PCNL、输尿管镜检查（fURS/RIRS）、内镜球囊扩张术和息肉切除结肠镜检查在内的手术的预期。信息与现行BSG、EAU、ESGE和ECCO临床指南保持一致。
How to Use this Hub
This page is your starting point for understanding your health. Whether you have just been referred for a urological or gastrointestinal procedure, are waiting for a diagnosis, or simply want to learn more about a condition, each guide below is written in clear, plain language — no medical degree required.
Search or Browse
Use the search bar above or scroll through the topic cards to find what you need.
Read Your Guide
Each guide explains what the condition is, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.
Talk to your Doctor
Use what you've learned to have a more informed conversation with your healthcare team.
Please note: The information on these pages is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. Always speak to a qualified clinician about your personal situation.
Urology Topics
Guides covering the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urinary tract.
Kidney & Urinary Tract
Understand how your kidneys work, what causes kidney stones, how hydronephrosis and chronic kidney disease develop, and which procedures can help.
Urinary Tract Infections
Learn what causes UTIs, why some people are more at risk, how they are diagnosed and treated, and practical steps to prevent recurrence.
Gastrointestinal Topics
Guides covering the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Upper GI Diseases
A guide to conditions affecting the oesophagus and stomach — including GERD, peptic ulcers, Barrett's oesophagus, and oesophageal strictures.
Lower GI Diseases
Understand colorectal cancer screening, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and what to expect from a colonoscopy.
常见手术解析：PCNL、输尿管镜检查、结肠镜检查与内镜球囊扩张术
Hearing that you need a procedure can feel overwhelming. Here is a plain-language overview of the most common minimally invasive procedures that Envaste products support — what happens, why it's done, and what to expect.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
What it is: A minimally invasive procedure to remove large kidney stones through a small incision in your back.
Why it's done: Used when stones are too large to pass naturally or to be broken up by shockwave lithotripsy.
What to expect: Performed under general anaesthetic. A thin telescope and instruments are passed through a small access track to the kidney. You will usually stay in hospital for 1–2 days and recover fully within 2–4 weeks.
Read the full guideUreteroscopy (URS / fURS)
What it is: A thin, flexible or rigid telescope is passed through your urethra and bladder to reach stones or strictures in the ureter or kidney.
Why it's done: To treat ureter stones, kidney stones, or to investigate the cause of unexplained blood in the urine.
What to expect: Usually performed under general or spinal anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same day. You may have a temporary ureteral stent placed for a few weeks.
Read the full guideEndoscopic Balloon Dilation
What it is: A tiny balloon passed through an endoscope is gently inflated to widen a narrowed section of the digestive tract (a stricture).
Why it's done: To treat strictures in the oesophagus, stomach outlet (pylorus), or bowel caused by scarring, Crohn's disease, or previous surgery.
What to expect: Performed as a day-case endoscopy. You will be sedated. It usually takes 15–30 minutes. You may need repeat sessions if the stricture returns.
Read the upper GI guidePercutaneous Nephrostomy
What it is: A thin drainage tube (catheter) is placed directly into the kidney through the skin, usually under ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
Why it's done: To drain a blocked or infected kidney when the natural drainage path is obstructed, as a temporary or longer-term measure.
What to expect: Usually done under local anaesthetic and sedation. The tube exits through the skin on your back and drains urine into an external bag. You will be taught how to care for it at home.
Read the full guideBefore & After Your Procedure
General guidance on how to prepare and what to expect during recovery. Your clinical team will provide specific instructions — always follow their advice first.
Before Your Procedure
- Tell your doctor about all medications, including blood thinners and supplements.
- Follow fasting instructions carefully (usually nothing to eat or drink 6 hours before a general anaesthetic).
- Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation or anaesthetic is involved.
- Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget to ask them.
- Complete any bowel preparation or pre-operative urine tests as instructed.
After Your Procedure
- Rest as directed — your team will advise when you can return to normal activities.
- Drink plenty of fluids (especially after kidney or urinary procedures) unless told otherwise.
- Take prescribed medications, including antibiotics, for the full course.
- Contact your clinical team immediately if you have a high fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding.
- Attend all follow-up appointments, even if you feel well.
Common Patient Questions
Finding Support & Further Information
Beyond our educational guides, these external resources provide additional patient support and reliable health information.
NHS Health A–Z
Comprehensive patient information on conditions, tests, and treatments from the UK's National Health Service.
National Kidney Foundation
Patient resources, community support, and educational materials for people living with kidney disease.
Crohn's & Colitis UK
Support, advice and information for people living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Contact Envaste
Have a question for our team? We're happy to point you to the right resource or connect you with a healthcare partner.