Urogenital surgery of the 15th century in Anatolia.

PURPOSE: We examined the urological procedures of the 15th century covered in the surgery textbook, Cerrahiyyetu'l Haniyye. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three copies of the surgery textbook, Cerrahiyyetu'l Haniyye (Sultan's Surgery), by Serefeddin Sabuncuoglu, who lived in Turkey between 1385 and 1470, were evaluated. The colorfully miniaturized and illustrated textbook, written 536 years ago, covers a number of surgical disciplines, including urology. We evaluated urological sections with regard to the type of procedures, definitions and approaches for certain diseases and surgical tools used for urological operations. RESULTS: The textbook reviews the surgical treatment of urological conditions such as varicocele, hydrocele, hermaphroditism, imperforated urinary meatus, meatal stenosis, hypospadias, penile and scrotal lesions, and circumcision techniques. It includes definitions of diseases, etiologies and surgical therapies, and describes surgical instruments. The author also illustrated surgical approaches and instruments. CONCLUSIONS: A treasure trove of surgical knowledge, Cerrahiyyetu'l Haniyye has enlightened urologists from the 15th century to the present day.

[Urological pathology in the memoires and critiques of the Literary Meetings of the San Carlos Royal College in Madrid (1788-1834)]. / Patología urológica en las memorias y censuras de las Juntas Literarias del Real Colegio de San Carlos de Madrid (1788-1834).

OBJECTIVE: The urologic cases presented for discussion to the Board of the San Carlos Royal College of Surgery (Madrid), created in 1787 by royal decree of King Carlos III for the education and training of surgeons attending the general population, are reviewed. Their contents and the stage of the art of urology in that period are analyzed. METHODS: 303 records in the archives of the Faculty of Medicine of the Complutensis University of Madrid, presented to the Board of the San Carlos Royal College of Surgery for discussion at their regular meetings on Thursday, during the period spanning 1788-1834, were reviewed. A complete list of urologic cases and a transcription of the description of a bladder procedure are presented. RESULTS: 69 urologic cases were found. Lithiasis was the most common, followed by voiding disorders that encompass all urethrovesical conditions. Complications, such as fistula and abscess, account for a large part of the cases reported, followed by testicular and scrotal pathology (basically hydrolece), veneral disease and their complications of stricture and infection. The surgical techniques mainly comprised lithotomy (with analysis of the different perineal approaches), bladder punction for retention, urethrotomy, circumcision and surgical treatment of hydrocele by castration or punction. CONCLUSIONS: The urologic cases reviewed by the Board of the San Carlos Royal College of Surgery were basically those of the most common conditions of that period, mainly lithiasis and voiding disorders arising from urethrovesical conditions and their complications, as well as diseases of the male genitalia. The surgical techniques focussed mainly on the description of stone removal by the perineal approach and castration or punction for hydrocele. The reports and reviews followed the principles of galenic and hippocratic medicine. The impact of European advancements were only observed in the latter stages. Undoubtedly, these records and reviews have made an outstanding contribution to the 18th and early 19th century Spanish medical literature.

Susruta, the pioneer urologist of antiquity.

PURPOSE: Susruta, a pioneer surgeon of antiquity, practiced around 1000 BC in India. We review his many contributions with special reference to the management of urological ailments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information gleaned from the available English translation of 3 volumes of Susruta's treatise in surgery is analyzed with commentaries and historical perspectives chronicled by Oriental and Occidental historians. RESULTS: Susruta belonged to the period between 600 and 1000 BC. His conceptions of anatomy, physiopathology and therapeutic strategies were of unparalleled brilliance, considering the early age in the history of mankind with no supportive knowledge base preceding his era. His discussions of many aspects of urological diseases are often reaffirmed in the principles of urology today. CONCLUSIONS: Through his rational understanding, elaborate teachings and practice of the art of surgery, and many urological ailments in particular Susruta has earned the glory of being the pioneer urologist of antiquity.