The Endourological Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 by a group of international urologists. The society was established in an effort to facilitate scientific dialogue among endourologists worldwide in the form of annual meetings, circulation of scientific literature, and surgical skill training courses/hands on laboratory sessions.

The Endourological Society was founded after three successful annual meetings held in London (1983), Germany (1984), and USA (1985). The Society was officially instituted on May 1, 1984 and incorporated on April 18, 1985. Since then the society has sponsored annual meetings held at different sites of the world.

The following is a list of past presidents of the Society and location of annual meetings:

Currently, the Endourological Society has sub-societies through out the world including the British Society of Endourology, the Mexican Endourological Society, and the Korean Endourology and ESWL Society.

The first official newsletter of the Endourological Society , titled "The Endourology Newsletter" was circulated worldwide and was met with enthusiasm. In 1987, the "Newsletter" was replaced by the Journal of Endourology.

The journal has a unique international editorial board with expertise in endourology and laparoscopy. In addition, it is the official journal for the affiliated sub-societies. Due to the increase in basic science research and innovative techniques in endourology and laparoscopy, the journal has gradually increased the number of issues from four to ten a year within the last two decades.

The Endourological Society extends several privileges to its members. Members receive the Journal of Endourology and are notified periodically of scientific meetings, essay contests, endourology/laparoscopy fellowship programs, and information regarding job opportunities in urology. In addition, members receive a certificate of membership, and a reduced registration fee at the annual meetings. In the near future, members of the society will enjoy free access to scientific abstracts and video presentations on the journal of endourology website. Finally, urology residents within the United States receive a free journal subscription during their residency.

Mrs. Sybill Storz designed the Endourology Society Award for Lifetime Vision and Achievement in Endourology. The award consists of a telescope looped in the first part of a surgical knot mounted on a rock, emblematic of the combination of rigid and flexible endoscopy for the treatment of urolithiasis. In spite of the loop in the apparently “rigid” telescope, due to the fiberoptic technology, a clear image is presented to the viewer. This award, which is accompanied by a generous honorarium, may be awarded annually to a senior endourologist whose lifetime contributions have had a major impact on the field of Endourology.

Recipients:
1999 – Ralph Clayman, M.D.
2000 – Ferdinand Eisenberger, M.D.
2001 – Yoshio Aso, M.D.
2002 – Edward Lyon, M.D.
2003 – Michael Marberger, M.D.
2004 – Hiroshi Tazaki, M.D.
2005 – Alain LeDuc, M.D.
2006 – Joseph Segura, M.D.
2007 – Christian Chaussy, M.D.

Cook Urological, “Arthur” Award

Mr. Jerry French and Mr. Walter Ryan of Cook Urological, Inc. designed the “Arthur” Award in honor of Dr. Arthur Smith. The illuminated and beautifully illustrated glass block award is presented to a urologist who is within 10 years of completing residency or fellowship and who has already achieved distinction through myriad contributions to the field of Endourology in research and teaching. The only exception to this rule was the presentation of the first award to Dr. Smith in recognition of his establishment of the Endourology Society, his clinical contributions to the field, his training of numerous fellows, and his ongoing support of the society and its Journal throughout the past two decades. The award is given annually.

Recipients:
2004 – Arthur D. Smith, M.D.
2005 – Jaime Landman, M.D.
2006 – Maurice Stephen Michel, M.D.
2007 – Manoj Monga, M.D.

Industry Award – “For Innovations in Endourological Instrumentation”

This award is presented by the Endourology Society to individuals in industry and the company they represent who have promoted Endourology worldwide through product development, support of the society’s foreign fellows program, aided the international distribution of the Journal of Endourology, and/or provided grants in aid for the annual World Congress meeting. The Endourology Society is ever cognizant that the strong partnership of industry and the society is very much responsible for the growth and dissemination of Endourology. The award may be given annually.