History / Background:

As a superspeciality, Urology in KEM had its origins in May 1965 when the late Dr. P.K. Sen performed India's first kidney transplant at this hospital. The department was formally started in 1980. Its first head was Padmashree Dr. D. K. Karanjawala. He was an eminent urologist with significant contributions in urology for which he was conferred the Hunterian Professorship by the Royal College of Surgeons, England.

Dr.D.S.Pardanani was the first full time Professor and headed the department of urology from 1981 to 1991. He built the solid foundation of this department and brought it academic status at both the national and international levels. He equipped the department with the entire range of endoscopic instruments and the latest diagnostic modalities like ultrasonography.

Dr. S.V. Punekar became the Professor and Head of the department from 1991 to 2003. She started percutaneous renal surgery (PCNL) in KEM Hospital after training in University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic. In 1988, the Government of India chose the Urology department, KEM Hospital, as a 'Zonal Center of Excellence' for 'Microsurgical Recanalization Project' in collaboration with UNFPA & AVSC.

In 2003, Dr. Jayesh V. Dhabalia, Associate Professor took over as the I/c. head of department and the department has continued to make significant progress under his leadership.

In Feb. 2005, Dr. Sandhya Rao, Professor took over as the Head of department .

Excellence amongst the post-graduates of the department is routine. At the national level, five of our students have won the prestigious G.M. Phadke travelling fellowship. The best paper award at the national conference was won several times. The Society International Urology Scholarship was awarded to three of our faculty members. The M.Ch. gold medal at the University of Mumbai was obtained at least 8 times by our students. Many of them are occupying prestigious positions not only in various parts of India, but also in universities in other countries such as the USA, UK and Riyadh.

Starting with lithotomy as major urological procedure, today endoscopy has replaced most major operative procedures and lithotripsy & laser have replaced manual stone crushing. The department provides the best patient care and produces better urologists. The department has a conducive environment where students can learn, think, research, practice and even surpass their teachers in some fields