Urology in Stettin (Szczecin). The impact of political changes on progress in urology and medicine.

The history of modern hospitals in Stettin is about 280 years long. The history of urology in Stettin (Szczecin), like in Europe, is closely associated with the construction of the useful cystoscope, discovery of X-rays, and progress in radiology and endoscopy. In Stettin, like in many other cities, patients with urological diseases were treated at departments of surgery or departments of internal medicine. On March 1It, 1919, a specialized urology ward with 27 beds was opened in the Municipal Hospital in Stettin. Dr. Felix Hagen from Berlin was the first head of this ward. The main duty of the urology ward at that time was to conduct differential diagnosis and to offer conservative treatment to patients not needing surgery. Cystoscopy, chromocystoscopy, and radiographs were done in the beginning. Later on, retroperitoneal pneumography, pneumopyelography, and retrograde pyelography were added. Urography in the final period enabled a more precise assessment of the kidney prior to surgery. The preparation of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia for surgery was an important element. Therapeutic activities of the urology ward included transurethral procedures such as lithotripsy of bladder stones and treatment of bladder cancer. Urological surgery was done at the surgery ward. Patients with tuberculosis were usually referred to the Tuberculosis Hospital in Hohenkrug (Zdunowo). In 1935, the urology ward in Stettin was closed and incorporated into the surgery ward. During the World War II, just as during the World War I, the Municipal Hospital in Stettin was transformed into a field hospital. The end of the World War II created a new political situation in Europe. Stettin (Szczecin) and West Pomerania became part of Poland. In 1948, the Polish government established the Pomeranian Medical Academy (PAM) in Stettin. During the first 10 years of its existence all urological operations were performed at surgery wards. In August 1955, a 30-bed urology ward affiliated with the Second Department of Surgery was opened in the district of Pomorzany. The head of the new ward was Dr. Alfons Wojewski (1912-1992), surgeon and urologist from Gdańsk (Danzig). In 1962, the ward was transformed into a separate Department of Urology with 62 beds. Prof. Wojewski organized the Department from its foundations, leading it quickly to the level of modern departments in the area of research, teaching, and therapy. After the retirement of Prof. Wojewski, the acting head of the department was Dr. Stanisław Krasoń until his death in 1986. He was followed for almost one year by Dr. Stanisława Spoz. Since May 1987, the head of the Department is Prof. Andrzej Sikorski from Łódź.