International Functional and Reconstructive Urology Update

Single Incision Slings

Jason M. Kim, MD, discusses single-incision slings, a less invasive option for treating stress incontinence in women. In this 9-minute presentation, Dr. Kim offers single-incision slings as a less invasive option than traditional retropubic and transobturator slings, eliminating many of the complications associated with traditional methods. He begins with a short background of midurethral slings, including possible complications and why a single incision option would be preferable.
Dr. Kim discusses the benefits of the single-incision sling and shows examples of possible options. He asserts that this less invasive therapy eliminates many complications associated with traditional methods. He also shares studies that have demonstrated its efficacy, including the 2022 Cochrane review and a randomized trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

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Approach to Pyeloplasty Failure

Kirk D. Redger, MD, provides a comprehensive discussion on recurrent ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, emphasizing diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and the importance of tailored patient care.

In this 13-minute presentation, Redger highlights the importance of knowing a patient’s prior interventions when determining the next steps for treatment. Treatment plans are individualized, taking into account patient goals, age, comorbidities, and previous surgeries. Frail patients, those with active malignancies, or those with poor renal function may benefit from non-surgical management like stent placement. For surgical candidates, options range from endoscopic procedures and balloon dilation to complex reconstructive surgeries, such as robotic or open pyeloplasties.

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Robotic Urinary Diversion Ilial Conduit

Janet B. Kukreja, MD, MPH, FACS, provides a detailed overview of performing robotic-assisted ileal conduit surgery, focusing on practical techniques and strategies for effective urinary diversion.

In this 12-minute presentation, Dr. Kukreja shares a video of one of her procedures, beginning with port placement and tool selection. Using both handheld and robotic staplers, she demonstrates methods to minimize complications and ensure precision during bowel anastomosis. She discusses techniques to avoid complications, such as meticulous ureter preparation, vascular supply preservation, and strategic suture placement. The demonstration covers methods for managing the ureters, including tunneling under the sigmoid and spatulating to ensure optimal flow and reduce the risk of narrowing.
This comprehensive overview provides practical insights into optimizing robotic urinary diversion procedures, making it a valuable guide for surgeons managing complex cases requiring ileal conduits.

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Robotic Pyeloplasty in 2024: Technical Considerations and Approaches

David M. Strauss, MD, focuses on robotic pyeloplasty and highlights its role in managing ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction through various surgical techniques and approaches.

In this 9-minute presentation, Dr. Strauss shows videos of both transecting and non-transecting approaches. He details positioning and access for robotic surgery, emphasizing replicating setups similar to nephrectomy and using a combination of robotic arms. He notes the flexibility of surgical platforms, including transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches.

Strauss underlines the durability of pyeloplasty, the importance of individualized patient care, and the value of mastering multiple surgical approaches to optimize outcomes.

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