'I will not cut . . . ': the oath that defined urology.
OBJECTIVE
To explore different interpretations of the clause embedded in the Hippocratic Oath, prohibiting surgery for stones, and its relevance for urology.


METHODS
Various translations of the Oath, from the original Greek edition to historical revisions, were reviewed.


RESULTS
Controversy surrounds different translations and interpretations of the Oath about the practice of lithotomy among ancient healers. The reasons Hippocratic physicians were prohibited from performing lithotomy are several, but the consensus is that untrained physicians pledged not to undertake such a complicated procedure, but to refer their patients to other healers who specialized in that practice.


CONCLUSIONS
The Hippocratic Oath actually defined, identified and legitimized urology as the first medical speciality.
Herr
Harry W
HW
Department of Urology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA. herrh@mskcc.org
D006625:Hippocratic Oath; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000266:history*; D014572:Urology / Q000266:history*