History of urology in Iwów (Lemberg, Lviv). the impact of political changes on progress in urology and medicine.

Innovations in diagnostic techniques due to the introduction of endoscopy, and the development in X-ray technology were fundamental in lessening dependence on surgery, and for urology to be recognised as a new discipline. Afterwards, endoscopic surgery came to the fore. Urology in Lemberg, The aim of the study is to present the development of urology in Lemberg as an independent speciality, and its separation from surgery. Well-known Lemberg surgeons who were interested in surgery of the genitourinary system are discussed. The beginning of urology and its development within the framework of surgical departments, and as an independent facility in the interwar period is described. The fate of the Polish department of urology during the interwar period and the World War II is also presented. The development of Ukrainian urology after the World War II is also described. Extensive research was undertaken to collect the literature and documents in Polish and German archives and libraries in order to prepare this study. The author also presents the leading Ukrainian urologists who contributed from the post war period to the last 22 years of free Ukraine (from December 1991), and discusses the development of modern urology in Lviv today.