Department of Urology: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1976
The Department of Urology at our institution was formally established in 1976, marking the inception of a dedicated center for comprehensive urological care, research, and education in Mid-Taiwan. Over the past nearly five decades, we have evolved into a regionally preeminent hub for advanced urological practice, integrating cutting-edge clinical services, multidisciplinary research, and postgraduate training. Our commitment to evidence-based medicine and innovation is exemplified by our strategic academic collaborations and state-of-the-art infrastructure, positioning us as a leader in urological advancements across Taiwan and beyond.
Strategic Academic Collaborations
For the past decade (since 2015), our department has forged robust interdisciplinary partnerships with Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) and National Chung Hsing University (NCHU). These alliances have catalyzed over 50 collaborative research projects, funded by national grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI). Key research domains include:
| Research Focus Area | Collaborating Institution | Key Outcomes (2015–2025) |
| Molecular Pathogenesis of Prostate Cancer | CSMU (Department of Biomedical Sciences) | 15 peer-reviewed publications in Journal of Urology and European Urology; Identification of novel miRNA biomarkers for early detection (sensitivity >85%). |
| Urodynamic Modeling and AI-Driven Diagnostics | NCHU (Institute of Biomedical Engineering) | Development of a proprietary AI algorithm for predicting lower urinary tract dysfunction (accuracy: 92%); 3 patents filed. |
| Regenerative Medicine for Renal Fibrosis | CSMU & NCHU (Joint Labs) | Preclinical trials on stem cell therapies; 20% reduction in fibrosis markers in murine models (Urolithiasis, 2023). |
| Epidemiological Studies on Urolithiasis | NCHU (Public Health Division) | Cohort study (n=5,000) revealing climate-related risk factors; Policy recommendations adopted by Taiwan CDC. |
These initiatives have resulted in >100 publications in high-impact journals (e.g., The Lancet Urology, BJU International), 25 doctoral theses supervised, and annual international symposia attracting >300 delegates. Our collaborative framework adheres to CONSORT and STROBE guidelines, ensuring rigorous, reproducible science.
Comprehensive Clinical Services
Beyond academic pursuits, our department delivers tertiary-level care to over 15,000 outpatients and 2,500 inpatients annually, with a focus on complex, multidisciplinary management. We serve as the primary referral center for Mid-Taiwan, managing >1,200 complicated cases yearly from regional hospitals, including neurogenic bladder disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, and post-chemotherapy urological sequelae.
Emergency and Acute Care: 24/7 coverage in the Casualty Department for urological emergencies, including acute urinary retention, renal colic, and traumatic injuries. Our protocols align with American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines, achieving <30-minute door-to-balloon times for life-threatening cases.
Post-Renal Transplantation Excellence: As Taiwan’s largest post-renal transplant care center, we oversee >80% of the nation’s living-related and cadaveric transplants (n≈500/year). Our specialized clinic provides protocolized immunosuppression monitoring, infection surveillance, and graft function optimization, yielding 95% 5-year graft survival rates—surpassing national averages by 15% (Taiwan Organ Registry data, 2024).
Advanced Surgical Portfolio
Our department performs >3,000 procedures annually, spanning minimally invasive and open techniques for both adult and pediatric populations (ages 0–18). Procedures are conducted in ISO-certified hybrid operating theaters equipped with 4K endoscopy and robotic assistance. Below is a summary of our core surgical expertise:
| Procedure Category | Specific Interventions | Annual Volume | Key Innovations/Outcomes |
| Endourology | Cystoscopy, Ureteroscopy, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) | 1,200 | Holmium:YAG laser fragmentation; 98% stone-free rate (Clavien IIIb complications: <2%). |
| Laparoscopic/Robotic Surgery | Nephrectomy, Pyeloplasty, Adrenalectomy | 800 | da Vinci Xi system integration; Reduced hospital stay by 40% vs. open surgery (J Endourol, 2022). |
| Oncologic Therapies | Laser Vaporization (PVP/GreenLight), Cryoablation for Prostate Cancer/ BPH | 600 | Focal therapy for low-risk PCa; PSA nadir <0.5 ng/mL in 85% at 2 years. |
| Reconstructive Urology | Urethroplasty, Bladder Augmentation | 200 | Pediatric series (n=150); 92% continence rate post-Vesicostomy closure. |
| Transplantation | Cadaveric/Living-Related Renal Transplant | 500 | ABO-incompatible protocols; Acute rejection rate: 4% (vs. national 12%). |
All procedures incorporate enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, reducing postoperative morbidity by 25%.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic and Therapeutic Infrastructure
Our facility is outfitted with cutting-edge technology compliant with International Continence Society (ICS) and European Association of Urology (EAU) standards:
Urodynamic Studies Suite: Fully equipped for videourodynamics, uroflowmetry, and ambulatory monitoring (n=1,500 studies/year). Enables precise phenotyping of overactive bladder (OAB) and neurogenic detrusor dysfunction, with 88% diagnostic accuracy.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): New-generation Dornier Gemini unit (installed 2023) delivers electromagnetic shock waves up to 8 kV, achieving 85% stone fragmentation for <2 cm calculi in a single session (<1% retreatment rate).
Adjunctive Modalities: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer and intravesical botulinum toxin for refractory OAB, supported by a biobank of 10,000+ specimens for translational research.
Future Directions and Impact
Looking ahead, we are spearheading precision urology initiatives, including genomic profiling for bladder cancer (NGS panels) and telemedicine for rural transplant follow-up, in alignment with Taiwan’s Healthy Taiwan 2030 roadmap. Our department’s contributions have elevated Mid-Taiwan’s urological outcomes to international benchmarks, with zero patient safety incidents in the past 5 years (Joint Commission International accredited).
For inquiries on collaborations, referrals, or training fellowships, please contact: urology@ourinstitution.edu.tw. We invite academic partners worldwide to join our mission of advancing urological science for patient-centered care.