Seth K. Bechis, MD, presented “Stone Volume is a Better Predictor of Spontaneous Stone Passage” during the 43rd Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar on January 31, 2024, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
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How to cite: Bechis, Seth K. “Stone Volume is a Better Predictor of Spontaneous Stone Passage.” January 31, 2024. Accessed Oct 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/stone-volume-is-a-better-predictor-of-spontaneous-stone-passage/
Stone Volume is a Better Predictor of Spontaneous Stone Passage – Summary
Dr. Seth K. Bechis, MD, discusses the critical role of stone volume as a predictor of spontaneous stone passage in patients with urolithiasis. He emphasizes that while stone size has traditionally been considered the primary factor in determining the likelihood of spontaneous passage, emerging evidence suggests that stone volume offers a more accurate assessment. Dr. Bechis advocates for integrating this assessment into routine evaluation protocols.
In this 16-minute presentation, Dr. Bechis explains that stone volume, which accounts for both the size and the three-dimensional shape of the stone, provides a more comprehensive measure that correlates better with clinical outcomes. This is especially relevant in determining whether to pursue active intervention or adopt a more conservative, observational approach.
About The 43rd Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar:
The Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar is a multi-day meeting focused on training urologists in the latest in assessing, diagnosing, and treating urologic conditions in the clinical setting. Updates are provided on urologic cancers, stone disease, urologic reconstruction, female urology, infertility, sexual function, emerging surgical techniques, and general urology. The 43rd iteration of the meeting took place from January 31st to February 2nd, 2024, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Seth K. Bechis, MD is a board-certified urologist specializing in diseases of the urinary tract, including kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, and men's health issues. Dr. Bechis completed fellowship training in laparoscopy/robotics and endourology at the University of California (UC), San Diego School of Medicine, and residency training at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He earned his medical degree from UC San Francisco School of Medicine and holds additional Master of Science training in biomedical research, also from UC San Francisco, focusing on ways to prevent and treat diseases.
As a member of the Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center at UC San Diego Health, Dr. Bechis has a special interest in advanced surgical treatment, medical prevention, and research on kidney stone disease. He has surgical expertise in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for complex stones, ureteroscopy, and shockwave lithotripsy. Dr. Bechis specializes in all procedures of the prostate including minimally invasive procedures such as Rezum water vapor therapy and UroLift, as well as robotic surgery and GreenLight™ Laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP).
Dr. Bechis serves as the associate program director for the UC San Diego - Kaiser Laparoscopy/Endourology Fellowship in the Department of Urology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. His current research includes improving surgical techniques and clinical outcomes in stone disease, as well as tools for stone diagnosis and opiate-sparing pathways for managing pain. His research has been featured in peer-reviewed medical journals and he has authored chapters for university handbooks.
Prior to joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Bechis worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he taught residents and medical students in the operating room and clinic.