BackTable Urology

BackTable
  • 4.7 (56)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The BackTable Urology Podcast is a resource for practicing urologists to learn tips, techniques, and practical advice from their peers in the field. Listen here or on the streaming platform of your choice.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 288 Active Surveillance for Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer with Dr. Claire de la Calle

    When is active surveillance the right choice for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Claire de la Calle, Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Washington, joins Dr. Ruchika Talwar to unpack how active surveillance has evolved beyond low-risk disease and why select Grade Group 2 patients may be appropriate candidates now with thoughtful patient selection. --- SYNPOSIS The conversation explores emerging tools that can refine surveillance decisions, including PSA density, MRI findings, genomic classifiers, and the growing role of AI-assisted pathology. Dr. de la Calle emphasizes the importance of nuanced patient counseling, acknowledging anxiety and long-term risk while reinforcing that time on active surveillance can be a meaningful win when oncologic outcomes remain comparable to upfront treatment. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:58 - Current Evidence05:03 - Patient Selection Criteria12:11 - Importance of PSA Density and Monitoring Protocols18:12 - Pathology and Genomic Testing32:18 - Future Directions and Research36:33 - Key Takeaways --- RESOURCES ProtecT Trial: Fifteen-Year Outcomes after Monitoring, Surgery, or Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancerhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2214122 Canary PASS Studyhttps://canarypass.org/ Genomic Classifier Performance in Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results From NRG Oncology/RTOG 0126 Randomized Phase 3 Trialhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37137444

    40 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Ep. 287 Urothelial Carcinoma: Understanding CTDNA and Precision Medicine with Dr. Amanda Nizam and Dr. Brad McGregor

    Is the era of cisplatin over, or are we simply becoming more precise about who benefits from it? As perioperative strategies in bladder cancer continue to evolve, emerging tools like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are playing a bigger role in how clinicians assess recurrence risk and tailor treatment. In this episode of BackTable Tumor Board, host Alan Tan, medical oncologist at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, is joined by bladder cancer experts Dr. Amanda Nizam and Dr. Brad McGregor to discuss recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of urothelial carcinoma. --- SYNPOSIS The doctors examine the evolving management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), including the role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, the integration of immunotherapy, and the recent approval of enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab. The discussion explores the rapidly changing perioperative landscape, the prognostic utility of ctDNA, and how biomarkers such as HER2 and FGFR are influencing treatment selection across disease states. They also address bladder preservation strategies, management of treatment-related toxicities, and the importance of multidisciplinary coordination. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on emerging therapies and the potential to improve cure rates in bladder cancer. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction01:44 - Overview of Bladder Cancer Treatment04:54 - Patient Staging and Treatment Goals10:12 - Bladder Preservation vs. Radical Cystectomy16:39 - Emerging Trials and Future Directions22:40 - ctDNA and Precision Medicine33:50 - Metastatic Disease and Biomarker Strategies42:16 - Managing Neuropathy in Metastatic Treatment48:44 - HER2 and FGFR in Bladder Cancer54:15 - Future Directions in Bladder Cancer Treatment --- RESOURCES EV-302/303 Trialhttps://newsroom.astellas.com/2023-12-15-PADCEV-R-enfortumab-vedotin-ejfv-with-KEYTRUDA-R-pembrolizumab-Approved-by-FDA-as-the-First-and-Only-ADC-Plus-PD-1-to-Treat-Advanced-Bladder-Cancer NIAGARA Regimenhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2408154 KEYNOTE-905 Studyhttps://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(25)04894-X/fulltext

    58 min

  3. JAN 27

    Ep. 286 Antibiotic Stewardship in Reconstructive Urology with Dr. Joshua Sterling

    In reconstructive urology, preventing infection often means prolonged antibiotic exposure, raising important questions about stewardship and long-term harm. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Joshua Sterling of Yale University joins host George Koch to examine how antibiotic stewardship and emerging insights into the urinary microbiome are reshaping infection management in reconstructive practice. --- SYNPOSIS The discussion centers on real-world clinical challenges, particularly in high-risk populations such as patients with neurogenic bladder, chronic catheterization, or prior reconstruction - groups in whom antibiotics are frequently used prophylactically or indefinitely. Drs. Sterling and Koch explore how well-intentioned prescribing patterns can contribute to resistance, dysbiosis, and recurrent infection, while often failing to address the underlying drivers of disease. Rather than framing infection control solely around eradication, the conversation considers a shift toward modulation of the urinary microbiome, drawing on lessons from gastroenterology, infectious disease, and transplant medicine. The episode concludes by outlining how a more nuanced, multidisciplinary approach may better serve reconstructive urology patients in the long term. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:22 - Antibiotic Stewardship in Urology06:34 - Current Landscape of Antibiotic Use13:44 - Protocols and Practices in Reconstruction18:24 - Antibiotic Overuse and Misuse21:02 - Shifting the Microbiome25:12 - Chlorhexidine Irrigations32:38 - Future Directions38:27 - Implementing Antibiotic Protocols40:48 - Conclusions --- RESOURCES STOP-IT Trialhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1411162

    43 min

  4. JAN 20

    Ep. 285 Guide to Vaginal Rejuvenation: Myths, Realities, & Medical Insights with Dr. Ariana Smith and Dr. Karyn Eilber

    Vaginal rejuvenation is often misunderstood, misrepresented, and overdue for honest conversations in medicine. In this crossover episode between BackTable Urology and BackTable OBGYN, Dr. Nirit Rosenblum, a urology and OBGYN professor at NYU Langone Medical Center, is joined by Dr. Karyn Eilber, Chair of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Department of Surgery, and Dr. Ariana Smith, Chief of Urology at Pennsylvania Hospital. Together, they bring a multidisciplinary lens to one of the most misunderstood areas of women’s health. --- This podcast is supported by: Medtronic https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/specialties/bladder-bowel-solutions/therapies-procedures/implantable-tibial-neuromodulation.html?cid=VURL:MIX:podcast:phportfolio --- SYNPOSIS The discussion revolves around the broad definition of vaginal rejuvenation, distinguishing between medical and cosmetic interventions. They address common misconceptions, the roles of different health professionals, and emphasize the importance of pelvic floor physical therapy and the appropriate use of systemic and vaginal estrogen therapy. The conversation also highlights critical gaps in research surrounding laser and radiofrequency interventions, underscoring the need for stronger evidence, clearer patient education, and continued advocacy around menopause care and sexual function. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:07 - Defining Vaginal Rejuvenation04:31 - Common Procedures and Misconceptions10:00 - Insurance and Coverage of Procedures12:00 - Laser and Radiofrequency Therapies18:06 - Vaginal Estrogen and Lift of Black Box Warning19:55 - The Role of Systemic Hormone Therapy26:52 - Vaginal Rejuvenation Misconceptions32:17 - Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Timing of Procedures34:20 - Regional Variations in Therapeutic Availability38:36 - Gender Inequity in Healthcare40:12 - Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Joint Report on Terminology for Cosmetic Gynecologyhttps://journals.lww.com/fpmrs/abstract/2022/06000/joint_report_on_terminology_for_cosmetic.2.aspx

    43 min

  5. JAN 13

    Ep. 284 Integrating Gender Affirming Care Into Urology with Dr. Eric Walton

    Gender affirming surgery is becoming a more visible part of urologic practice, raising practical questions about surgical training, case volume, and multidisciplinary support. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Eric Walton of The Ohio State University joins Dr. George Koch to examine how gender affirming surgery is being integrated into contemporary urology. Dr. Walton discusses his path into reconstructive urology, structural barriers that limit patient access, and why expanding surgical training pathways is central to closing gaps in care. --- SYNPOSIS The conversation explores fellowship models, academic versus private practice settings, and the role of multidisciplinary teams in supporting surgical programs. Practical considerations around patient screening, care coordination, and insurance are addressed, reframing gender affirming surgery as a core component of modern urologic care rather than a subspecialty outlier. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction00:52 - Journey to Gender Affirming Surgery03:29 - Specialized Training in Gender Surgery09:34 - Building a Gender Surgery Program27:54 - Providing Competent and Affirming Care32:54 - Future of Gender Affirming Surgery in Urology39:58 - Final Thoughts and Advice --- RESOURCES World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care:https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/

    47 min

  6. JAN 6

    Ep. 283 Early Careers in Urology: Strategies for Success with Dr. Raveen Syan and Dr. Helen Hougen

    What determines success in the early years of urology practice? In this BackTable Urology episode, produced in collaboration with the Society of Women in Urology (SWIU), this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast brings on Dr. Raveen Syan, Dr. Helen Hougen, and host Dr. Michelle Van Kuiken to discuss the transition to early career practice in urology. --- SYNPOSIS Together, the doctors explore the realities that new attendings face, from building efficient clinical systems to managing complications and building support networks. Drawing from personal experience, the guests offer practical guidance on mentorship, recognizing when a role or environment may no longer be the right fit, and building a sustainable, fulfilling professional life. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:54 - Early Challenges06:13 - Finding Support and Building Systems11:49 - Balancing Work and Personal Life15:52 - The Importance of Saying Yes Early On18:16 - Mentorship and Finding Allies22:29 - Decision Making and Cognitive Biases24:36 - Managing Complications27:31 - Prioritizing Clinical Goals38:45 - Knowing When to Leave42:09 - Final Reflections --- RESOURCES Annie Dukehttps://www.annieduke.com/ Aristotle’s 10 Rules for a Good Lifehttps://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/08/aristotle-10-rules-happy-life/674905/ Personal Productivity: How to work effectively and calmly in the midst of chaoshttps://www.cvdtraining.pitt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Johnson2009_Essays.pdf Understanding Academic Medical Centers: Simone’s Maximshttps://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/5/9/2281/287826/Understanding-Academic-Medical-Centers-Simone-s

    47 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    Ep. 282 Updates to Microhematuria Workup Guidelines with Dr. Daniel Barocas

    The microhematuria guideline just changed. Here’s what clinicians need to know. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Daniel Barocas (Vanderbilt University) joins host Dr. Ruchika Talwar to break down the 2025 updates to the American Urological Association (AUA) Microhematuria Guideline and why these changes matter in everyday practice. --- SYNPOSIS They walk through the evidence driving the updates, including revised risk stratification and the expanding role of urinary biomarkers. The conversation highlights how these recommendations affect patient evaluation, imaging decisions, and shared decision-making, with an emphasis on balancing cancer detection, patient burden, and responsible use of healthcare resources. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction01:33 - What Prompted the Guidelines Update?02:59 - Challenges of a Negative Microhematuria Evaluation06:21 - Initial Evaluation Guidelines07:58 - Risk Stratification18:11 - Imaging in Hematuria Workups21:16 - Use of Urinary Biomarkers33:25 - Potential Future Guideline Updates37:17 - Takeaways for Urologists --- RESOURCES AUA/SUFU Microhematuria Guidelinehttps://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/microhematuria

    41 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Ep. 281 Global Surgery in Urology: Addressing Reconstructive Needs Worldwide with Dr. Jane Kurtzman

    How are local and international teams working together to offer reconstructive urology in resource-constrained settings? This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Jane Kurtzman (University of Utah) joins Dr. George Koch (Ohio State University) to discuss the realities, challenges, and opportunities of international surgical work. --- SYNPOSIS They break down how global urology programs differ in structure, why cultural understanding is foundational, and what sustainable models look like in practice. The conversation highlights unmet reconstructive needs in low- and middle-income countries, evolving models for subspecialty development, and the growing role of long-term partnerships in shaping the future of global urology. --- TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction4:46 - Understanding Healthcare Systems Abroad8:12 - Need for Global Urology13:39 - Role of Reconstructive Urology Abroad21:57 - Current Programs27:20 - GU Impacts39:35 - Building Capacity through Training49:00 - Past Successes58:38 - Future Directions1:14:12 - Getting Involved --- RESOURCES GU Impactshttps://medicine.utah.edu/surgery/urology/gu-impacts IVUMedhttps://www.ivumed.org/ Urology Care Foundationhttps://www.urologyhealth.org/humanitarianism

    1h 6m
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4.7
out of 5
56 Ratings

About

The BackTable Urology Podcast is a resource for practicing urologists to learn tips, techniques, and practical advice from their peers in the field. Listen here or on the streaming platform of your choice.

Information

  • Creator
    BackTable
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    BackTable Urology

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