Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH

Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH is Associate Professor and Director of Urologic Research in the Department of Urology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. 

Dr. Canales earned his medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School. In addition, he completed a fellowship in laparoscopy and endourology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Canales’ postdoctoral training in the Department of Urologic Surgery at the University of Minnesota includes serving as Fellow and Clinical Instructor in laparoscopy, endourology, and robotics, completing a urology residency, and completing a general surgery internship. 

Dr. Canales’ clinical interests include urologic stone disease, endourology and laparoscopy. He has particular clinical interests and skills in minimally invasive urologic surgery, laparoscopic nephrectomy, laparoscopic prostatectomy, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, endourology, and 

kidney stone disease/pathogenesis. 

Dr. Canales has received numerous honors and awards over his career. Most recently, in 2022, Dr. Canales received the University of Florida College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher award. Dr. Canales serves on many academic and professional committees including the University of Florida College of Medicine Scientific Review Committee, the Endourological Society Research Committee, and the American Urological Association International Academic Fellowship Committee. 

Talks by Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH

Adventures in Weight Loss: Preliminary Results from the Uric Acid POUND OUT Study

Adventures in Weight Loss: Preliminary Results from the Uric Acid POUND OUT Study

Posted by | Aug 2024

Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH explains the POUND OUT study, which involves participants undergoing a structured weight loss program. The primary focus is on evaluating changes in uric acid levels in response to different weight loss interventions.

Preliminary results indicate a significant correlation between weight reduction and decreased uric acid levels. Dr. Canales highlights the differential responses observed among participants, attributing these variations to factors such as baseline uric acid levels, degree of weight loss, and adherence to the prescribed interventions. He underscores the importance of personalized approaches in managing hyperuricemia and its related complications.

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UPJO Management: Cut, Construct, or Check

UPJO Management: Cut, Construct, or Check

Posted by | Aug 2024

Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH, discusses the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of UPJO, emphasizing its impact on renal function and patient quality of life. He outlines the diagnostic approach, including imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, and diuretic renography, which are essential for assessing the obstruction and guiding treatment decisions.

The presentation delves into the three primary management strategies for UPJO: surgical intervention, reconstructive techniques, and conservative monitoring. Dr. Canales provides a detailed analysis of each approach and discusses the indications, success rates, and potential complications of open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted pyeloplasty, offering insights into selecting the most appropriate surgical technique based on patient-specific factors.

Dr. Canales reviews the evidence supporting reconstructive techniques, including endopyelotomy and balloon dilation, as minimally invasive alternatives, highlighting their benefits and limitations. Conservative management and active surveillance are presented as viable options for patients with mild or asymptomatic UPJO.

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Asymptomatic Stones: Remove Each Piece? Or Leave in Peace?

Asymptomatic Stones: Remove Each Piece? Or Leave in Peace?

Posted by | Aug 2024

Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH discusses the prevalence and natural history of asymptomatic kidney stones, emphasizing that while these stones may not initially cause symptoms, they have the potential to lead to significant complications, including pain, infection, and obstruction. He identifies various factors that influence the decision-making process, such as stone size, location, composition, and patient-specific factors including age, comorbidities, and risk of future stone-related events.

Dr. Canales discusses the current guidelines and evidence-based practices for managing asymptomatic stones, including the benefits and risks associated with both intervention and observation. He highlights the criteria for selecting patients who may benefit from proactive treatment, such as those with high-risk anatomical features or a history of recurrent stones, and scenarios where a conservative approach, involving regular monitoring and preventive measures, may be more appropriate.

Technological advancements and surgical techniques have improved the safety and efficacy of stone removal procedures. Dr. Canales reviews minimally invasive options, such as ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and their role in the management of asymptomatic stones. The presentation includes a discussion on the potential complications of these procedures and the importance of patient counseling to set realistic expectations.

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PCNL: Obtaining Access and Preventing Infection

PCNL: Obtaining Access and Preventing Infection

Posted by | Jun 2023

Benjamin K. Canales, MD, MPH, discusses Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy (PCNL), how to mitigate the risk of SIRS and sepsis associated with the operation, and various techniques used to perform the PCNL. In this presentation, Dr. Canales discusses, the importance of prophylactic antibiotics in infection prevention and mitigation, the history of PCNL, the risks and benefits of various sites for obtaining renal access, and the pros and cons of the known techniques for performing PCNL.

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