UC San Diego Health System Archives

Controversies in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Manoj J. Monga, MD, FACS, FRCS | Aug 2024

Manoj J. Monga, MD, FACS examines the indications for PCNL, emphasizing the criteria that influence the decision to opt for this invasive treatment. He highlights differing opinions on patient selection and the importance of individualized treatment plans.

Dr. Monga focuses on the technical aspects of PCNL and various approaches and techniques. He reviews the debate over the optimal access points, upper pole versus lower pole entry, and the risks and benefits of miniaturized versus standard tracts. He analyzes outcomes related to stone clearance rates, complications, and recovery times. Dr. Monga further explores the controversies in postoperative management, particularly the use of nephrostomy tubes versus tubeless procedures.

Emerging technologies and innovations in PCNL are also a key part of this presentation. Advancements in imaging techniques, new instruments, and their potential to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedure are examined, as well as the need for ongoing research.

Ureteroscopy 2022: What’s New?

Manoj J. Monga, MD, FACS, FRCS | May 2023

Manoj J. Monga, MD, FACS, provides an overview of advancements and innovations in the field of ureteroscopy.

COVID-19’s Impact on the Treatment of Urology Patients

Jess Mandel, MD | Mar 2020

Jess Mandel, MD, Chief of Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and E. David Crawford, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Grand Rounds in Urology, discuss the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on urologists and urology patients. Dr. Mandel outlines the current state of testing and treatment, emphasizing that the treatment for COVID-19 is similar to patients with respiratory infections, regardless of testing availability. Dr. Mandel recommends urologists keep up-to-date on news and recommendations from the CDC website in order to be able to give their patients the most current information available, as well as practicing common-sense preventative measures, such as delaying elective surgeries and increasing the practice of telemedicine.

Prostate Cancer Screening & Genetic Testing: The NCCN Perspective

David Utz | Jan 2020

J. Kellogg Parsons, MD, MHS, discusses the rationale behind the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines on prostate cancer screening and how they fit in with currently available genetic testing. He describes the multi-disciplinary makeup of the NCCN, details considerations that led to their recommendations on when men should be screened and in which circumstances, and outlines opportunities to improve the guidelines through standardization, coordination with other organizations, and improved treatment algorithms.

Diet and Prostate Cancer- Now What?

David Utz | Jun 2019

J. Kellogg Parsons, MD, MHS, FACS, reviews the Men’s Eating and Living (MEAL) study, a randomized, phase III clinical trial testing diet intervention in prostate cancer patients under active surveillance. He describes the trial methodology and design, as well as clinical progression and quality of life outcomes.