Endoscopic Prostatic Surgery

Among the recent developments in the field of urology the relief of prostatic obstruction by the transurethral method is deserving of first place. In a monograph dealing with so specialized a subject it is unfortunate that the author did not include a complete history of transurethral procedures, some of which were used more than a hundred years ago. The anatomy of the prostate, bladder neck and trigone as it relates to resection is well presented. The section on pathology is limited to lesions at the bladder neck. Secondary changes in the bladder and ureters and kidneys, so important, are not discussed. The examination of the patient, both local and general, including the use of special laboratory tests and instruments of precision, all of which have become standardized procedures, is presented in detail and its importance stressed. The need of preliminary treatment, now so universally recognized by all urologists, is well