Endoscopic surgery of the lower urinary tract.

Endoscopic Surgery of the lower urinary tract was popularised in Singapore about a decade ago. Since then it has been established as the treatment of choice not only for obstructing prostates, but also for stones, carcinoma of the urinary bladder and management of neurogenic bladder, haemorrhagic chronic radiation cystitis, ureteric obstruction and urethral strictures. The main advantages of endoscopic surgery are lack of post-operative pain and minimum morbidity and mortality. Patients' recovery is rapid thus saving much needed hospital beds. However, endoscopic surgery requires special training and special equipment to get good results. If not properly done serious complications including the death of patients can occur. A plea is made for the setting up of a special division or department of Urology in Singapore to carry out this work and to train our young surgeons in this field.