The first symposium of the working group on experimental urology of the German Society of Urology was held in Cologne in 1972. It was meant to be a platform to present and, in particular, to discuss experimental studies developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and to promote in- novation in urology in Germany. This plan was well received, and during the last 16 years both the number of participants from other European and overseas countries and the number and quality of presentations have been continuously increasing. At the most recent meeting, held in Aachen in 1988, new data were presented on renal cell cancer, andrology, prostatic cancer and adenoma, bladder cancer, urinary diversion, urodynamics, renal pathophysiology, transplantation and the pathogenesis and treatment of urolithiasis. The present book contains 44 of the 109 papers given at the Aachen meeting, covering both basic and clinical research. It will be of eminent interest to all scientifically minded urologists, oncologists, neurophysiolo- gists, endocrinologists, and pathologists because it is a synopsis of all the major scientific research currently being conducted in urology in Europe. There are no other books available which offer as comprehensive a cover- age of recent experimental issues in urology. The aim of the series Inves- tigative Urology is to demonstrate the continuous development of research in urology and to encourage all colleagues interested in experimental urol- ogy to continue their important activities and create new international co- operation.