Upsala J Med Sci 90: 171-172, 1985 

Clinical Urology and Basic Renal Research- 
Introductory Remarks 

A. Erik G .  Persson 
Department of Urology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden 

The past 10 to 20 years in clinical urology have been characterized by re- 
markable evolution of new techniques and by refinements of older methods for 
diagnosis and treatment. This rapid progress had resulted in more urologic dis- 
orders becoming amenable to treatment and, for certain conditions, shortening 
of the hospital stay. There are grounds for optimism concerning future develop- 

ments. However, the inevitable involvements with advanced technology and sci- 
entific methods have increased the demands made on the skills of clinicians. 

Because urology is such a comprehensive field for research, it is necessary 

to focus on areas o f  special interest and, because such questions must be pen- 
etrated in depth, research makes heavy demands on resources. Moreover, clinical 
questions as a rule overlap several areas of the research field, thus underlin- 
ing the importance of linking basic biologic research to clinical urology. The 

aspects which require extensive interdepartmental collaboration include patho- 
logy, virology, haematology, immunology and physiology. 

In the studies here presented we have used basic biologic methods, but have 
dealt with clinical questions. Collaboration has been particularly close with 

the renal research groups at the Biomedical Centre of Uppsala University. Many 
o f  the investigations in the past ten years have concerned preservation o f  kid- 
neys in connection with renal transplantation and acute renal failure. In pract- 
ical terms, these collaborative projects have led to some changes in clinical 

routines. 
The pathophysiology of unilateral nephrectomy has increasingly attracted 

interest in recent years with regard to the possibility of renal qlomerular 
damage as a result of glorverular hyperfiltration. Questions concerning ureteral 
obstruction and relief of the associated pain, and the basic physiologic regul- 
ation of that pain, have also been studied at our department. The importance o f  

renal function in the development and maintenance of arterial hypertension is 
another subject towards the understanding of which considerable effort has re- 

cently been directed. 

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Some o f  the papers presented in this issue are examples of our strivinqs 
towards expansion o f  knowledge in clinical urology with utilization o f  basic 

medical research. 

Address for reprints: 

A. Erik G. Persson 
Department o f  Urology 
University Hospital 
5-751 85 Uppsala 
Sweden 

172