History

The Department of Urology in Martin has a rich history, which is linked to the long tradition of medical education and health services in this region.

Establishment of the department: The Department of Urology was founded within the Regional Hospital in Martin on 01.09.1950. Until then, common urological procedures were performed in the surgical and gynecological departments. The first head of the Department of Urology was Jozef Péč, MD. In the academic year 1962-1963, a detached department of the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava was established in Martin. As part of the completion of the clinical departments of the newly established Faculty of Medicine, the Urology Clinic was established on 1.11.1966. The temporary management of the deparment was entrusted to Jozef Péč, MD, associate professor, who was definitively appointed as the head of the department on 1.11.1967. The deputy head was Tibor Berátš, MD. In 1977, Jozef Péč, MD, PhD, associate professor, CSc. was appointed as a professor of urology. During these years, urology developed as an independent field and initially focused mainly on basic diagnostic and treatment procedures for diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system.

Growth of the department (1970 - 1990): During the 1970s and 1980s, the urology department experienced significant growth and development, not only in the terms of expanding of its premises, but also improving professional skills and technical equipment. After the departure of Jozef Péč, MD, PhD, professor, Ján Kliment, MD, PhD, professor. became the new head of the department. The department focused on the treatment of kidney stones, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and other urological diseases. Research in the field of oncology and cooperation with the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine were also significant.

Modernization of the clinic (2000 - present): The Department of Urology in Martin has become one of the most important urological departments in Slovakia. A significant progress was by the purchase of the modern medical equipment and the reconstruction of the operating rooms, which allowed the department to provide highly professional and innovative care. Modern diagnostic and treatment methods were introduced, including endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures. During this period, there was also the development of pediatric urology, functional examination of the lower urinary tract, as well as the introduction of the Da Vinci robotic system into practice. The department began to provide not only specialized treatment, but also education and research in the field of urology. Associate professor Ján Ľupták, MD, PhD. became the new head of the Department of Urology in 2016, on which post he ended his activity in 2025 and was replaced by professor Ján Švihra, MD, PhD. and runs the clinic until now. The deputy head is Boris Eliáš, MD, PhD, and the deputy for pedagogical activities is Ján Švihra, MD, PhD, professor who is also the vice-dean for continuing education of healthcare professionals. In addition to provide healthcare, the department also focuses on research and education of new generations of urologists in close cooperation with the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine. The Department of Urology in Martin plays a key role in urological care in Slovakia and is a significant research and educational center. It is currently one of the leading workplaces in Slovakia and offers comprehensive urological care at the highest level.

Significance of the department: The Department of Urology in Martin plays a leading role in the urological care in Slovakia and is a significant research and educational center. Its staff participates in publishing scientific papers, organizing professional congresses and events that contribute to the continuous improvement of patient care in the field of urology. Today, the Urology department in Martin is a modern facility with high professional credit, which provides modern healthcare and constantly participates in the development of urological disciplines not only in Slovakia, but also abroad.