The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra are collectively responsible for filtering the blood, reabsorbing fluid and electrolytes, forming and excreting urine. This complex waste removal system is key to maintaining homeostasis and acid-base balance so any disease or damage to its functioning can lead to serious problems, either through the accumulation of waste products and their associated toxicity (uraemia), or faults in the workings of the excretory apparatus, leading to discomfort and further damage. Urology, also known as genitourinary surgery, is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the urinary system and the reproductive organs. Around 40% of men over 60 years of age have lower urinary tract symptoms due to an enlarged prostate and 13% of women will experience urinary incontinence at some stage in their life. Approximately 10% of the world’s adult population are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD).