Abstract
A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF UROLOGY PRACTICE IN INDIA

The urological diseases like Ashmari (Bladder stones), Vatasthila (Benign prostatic hypertrophy), Mutraghata (Retention of Urine), Mutrakrichra (Dysuria), Nirudhaprakas (Stricture Urethra), Medhraroga (Penile disorder) and Klibatwa (Sexual disorder) prevailed in ancient India from the Vedic era around 1000 BC was being practiced by the ancient practitioners Ayurveda. Subsequently in the Samhita period, the two trustworthy texts – Charak Samhita (Best in Medicine) and Susruta Samhita (Best in Surgery) elevated the art of medicine in India to extraordinary climax. Their explanation of the etiopathological hypothesis and the medical and surgical treatments of various urological disorders of unparallel creativity still remain valid to some extent in our modern understanding. The new generation of gifted Indian urologists should humbly venerate the legacy of the illustrious pioneers in urology. The term “lithotomy position” is derived from the perineal approach to the bladder advocated first in this earth by the great Surgeon “Sushruta” around 1000 BC. Sushruta was practicing medical and surgical treatment of Ashmari (Urinary Bladder stone). He has narrated elaborately its etiopathology, symptomatology, consequences after failure of medical treatment and also advised precautionary measurement during operative procedure. He has also narrated details the surgical procedure i.e., position of the patient, fixation of the stone, mobilization the stone and expel the stone by Agravaktrayantra & postoperative treatment scientifically. The Operative procedure he has advocated, Suprapubic Cystolithotomy in case of male and Lateral perineal lithotomy in female patient as he was well aware regarding the anatomical differentiation between male and female.