ABSTRACT
There is increasing specialization within all branches of surgery, and urology is now considered, in most countries, to be a separate surgical specialty from general surgery. In some parts of the world, either because of low population density or poor healthcare resources, there is a need for surgeons with a very wide remit. As the practice of these surgeons often includes both general surgery and urology, it is important that they have also received specialist training in urology. Some basic urology has been included in this chapter for the benefit of the general surgical trainee who is working in a remote unit where urology still forms part of general surgical practice. The coverage is, of necessity, limited and more comprehensive urological texts should be consulted.1,2
However, even the general surgeon, whose practice does not include urology, must still understand the principles underlying this branch of surgery – just as the urologist should understand general surgery. Cooperation between the specialities is often required, both for reconstructive procedures and for advanced pathology involving adjacent organs. Damage to a ureter, or to the bladder, may occur during a general surgical or gynaecological operation. In most situations, a general surgeon who unexpectedly encounters, or causes, urological trauma, or who encounters pathology which extends into urological organs, can obtain the assistance (or at least the advice) of a urological colleague. Occasionally, however, a general surgeon may be forced by circumstances to operate in ‘urological territory’, in the absence of any specialist expertise or equipment.
