[Perspectives and new contributions in urology: the machines]

The evolution of urology tended to an important diversification. The endoscopy got an access to the ureter and the kidney with rigid or flexible scopes. The treatment of the stone disease has been modified by the extracorporeal shock wave devices. The open surgery has almost disappeared and the percutaneous techniques were relegated to secondary or complementary procedures. Concerning the urologic surgery the bladder replacement with intestines has been reactualized. The problems of resorption and high pressures have been solved by a detubulation and reconfiguration of the intestinal segments. The initial enthusiasm for penile and sphincteric prosthesis has diminished, but these procedures continue to have limited indications with good results. The urologist is used to control personally his tumor patients which enables him to criticize his results and to design new adjuvant protocols in collaboration with the oncologists, e.g. for the treatment of infiltrating bladder cancer. The evident danger of diversification is a dispersion, and a solution of this problem has to be found for the future of our specialty.