OBJECTIVES:
To
highlight, for its urological importance, the martyrdom of St. Zoilus. To
elaborate on the tradition of invocation and worship of the saint and to
establish their historical bases.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
We
conducted a study of the images of the martyrdom of St. Zoilus, with a detailed
review of the history and tradition of the saint and performed a comparative
study of the various saints known as patrons of kidney pain and disease.
RESULT:
We found
three paintings in different churches and locations depicting the kidney
extraction of St. Zoilus. In addition to the three pieces, a preserved chest at
the National Archaeological Museum and 2 tapestries in the sacristy of the
church of the monastery of St. Zoilus in the Palencian town of Carrion de los
Condes provided abundant information on the circumstances in which they were
made. By analysing the style, we can deduce its affiliation to a specific
artistic milieu and thereby propose a timeframe.
CONCLUSION:
Without
meaning to dethrone St. Liborius as the patron saint of urologists, an office
claimed earlier by colleagues from various European countries, the martyrdom of
St. Zoilus is, in light of the tradition and images provided, an unquestionable
urological issue. The tradition is vindicated from a new viewpoint 1,712 years
later.
- 1Servicio de Urología, Hospital Comarcal do Salnés, Villagarcía de Arosa, España. Electronic address: freiredos@gmail.com.
- Actas Urol Esp. 2015 Dec 29. pii: S0210-4806(15)00263-6. doi: 10.1016/j.acuro.2015.11.005.
Andrology is a constantly evolving discipline, embracing social problems like pedophilia and its pharmacological treatment. With regard to chemical castration, the andrologist may perform an important role as part of a team of specialists. At present, no knowledge is available regarding hormonal, chromosomal or genetic alterations involved in pedophilia. International legislation primarily aims to defend childhood, but does not provide for compulsory treatment.
We reviewed international literature that, at present, only comprises a few reports on research concerning androgen deprivation. Most of these refer to the use of leuprolide acetate, rather than medroxyprogesterone and cyproterone acetate, which present a larger number of side effects. Current opinions on chemical castration for pedophilia are discordant. Some surveys confirm that therapy reduces sexual thoughts and fantasies, especially in recidivism. On the other hand, some authors report that chemical castration does not modify the pedophile's personality.
In our opinion, once existing legislation has changed, andrologists could play a significant role in the selection of patients to receive androgen deprivation therapy, due in part to their knowledge about its action and side effects.
- 1Urology Department "Degli Infermi" Hospital, Biella. mondatre@hotmail.com.
