Message from the President
The Philippine Endourological Society (PES) was founded in 2007 with the mission to the promote and propagate the practice of Endourology and Minimally Invasive Urology in the country. Endourology in the form of Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) first came to the Philippines in the 1980’s. Unfortunately, its widespread use has only been attained over the past 5-10 years. Most stones then were still surgically managed by open stone surgery or by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL).
As for laparoscopic urology, it had only been introduced to the Philippines in 2001. At that time, some urologists remained skeptical as to the cost-effectiveness and success of this new field of Endourology. Costs were quite prohibitive and this practice was limited to a few centers mostly in Metro Manila. From only one laparoscopic urologist, slowly this form of minimally invasive surgery had gained momentum. It had been incorporated into the Urology residency program. More and more graduates have trained in minimally invasive urology and are now adept at performing almost all urologic procedures via keyhole surgery.
The PES stands firm in its mission to promote and propagate endourology in the country. Various activities are being lined up by the PES executive council in order to help all urologists enhance their skills in Endourology and Minimally Invasive Surgery. It is the mission of the PES to reach different regions of the country through the training of potential mentors who may, in turn, spread these skills to even more urologists.
Hopefully, over the next few years, we will see an increase in minimally invasive urologic procedures all over the country. These procedures shouldn’t be limited to the big centers in major cities in the country but should also be able to benefit patients from the marginalized sector of society as well.
Let us all work together into making our mission and vision a reality. Together I believe we can attain this and so much more. I hope you all share this vision and together build a society that we can all be proud of.
Thank you for all your support.
Jose Vicente T. Prodigalidad MD
President, Philippine Endourological Society
The Gateway to the Global Network of Endourology
The Philippine Endourological Society was founded in 2008 by a group Filipino urologists with special interests in endourology and minimally invasive urology. Dr. Arthur Smith, encouraged one of his mentees, Dr. Joel Aldana to establish the affiliate organization in the Philippines of the, then well established, Endourological Society. Thus was born the PES. As it’s first endeavor, the PES spearheaded the East Asian Society of Endourology Meeting in 2009 in Manila.
It has been the society’s mission to promote endourology and minimally invasive urology in the country through scientific discussions, circulation of scientific literature, and surgical skill training workshops.
As an affiliate of the Endourological Society, all privileges of the ES are extended to the PES members. This includes access to the Journal of Endourology and Part B, Videourology. All members receive a certificate of membership and a reduced registration fee at the World Congress of Endourology and SWL meetings. Members also enjoy free access to scientific abstracts and video presentations on the Journal of Endourology website.