Ep. 274 Techniques & Challenges in Bladder Transplant Surgery with Dr. Nima Nassiri
For the first time in history, a human bladder was transplanted. Dr. Nima Nassiri (UCLA) joins Dr. Ruchika Talwar to share how his team completed this landmark operation alongside a kidney transplant. He walks through the clinical scenario, key steps in donor and recipient selection, and how years of preclinical work informed the operative approach.
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SYNPOSIS
The conversation explores the broader future of bladder transplant surgery, from ethical considerations to the potential for merging bladder transplantation with tolerance-induction protocols that could one day eliminate the need for lifelong immunosuppression. Dr. Nassiri reflects on the importance of patient-first decision-making, teamwork, and careful innovation as the field moves toward new possibilities in restorative urology and transplant medicine.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:51 - The Path to Bladder Transplant Surgery05:00 - Scientific Challenges and Barriers06:45 - Patient Selection and Initial Outcomes12:28 - Quality of Life Considerations14:18 - Performing the First Bladder Transplant18:59 - Donor Matching21:28 - Ethical Considerations24:51 - Research Gaps and Future Prospects
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RESOURCES
Clinical Trial: Vascularized Composite Bladder Allograft Transplantationhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05462561
Clinical Trial: Retro-active Immunological Tolerance in Patients With Well-functioning Pre-existing HLA-identical Kidney Transplantshttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05525507
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Ep. 273 Enhancing Care Coordination in Bladder Cancer Treatments with Brynn Moore and Meredith Donahue
With the right protocols (and the right team!), urology clinics can proactively manage the side effects of intravesical therapy. This in-studio episode from the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features unique perspectives from Vanderbilt nurse practitioner Meredith Donahue and surgical neuro-oncology nurse Brynn Moore, both with focuses in urologic oncology. Hosted by Dr. Ruchika Talwar, we cover the practical and logistical considerations in intravesical therapy administration.
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticalshttps://www.ferring.com/home-classic/people-and-families/uro-uro-oncology/bladder-cancer/
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SYNPOSIS
Donahue and Moore share their experiences with intravesical therapy, discussing practical issues such as patient management, scheduling, and handling side effects. They emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment in clinics, proactive treatment plans, and ensuring effective communication among the multidisciplinary team. They also share resources and tips for nurses and nurse practitioners new to urologic oncology.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction07:09 - Multidisciplinary Team Dynamics11:34 - Resources for Patients18:55 - Transvaginal Estrogen Cream26:56 - Optimizing Intravesical Therapy Clinics35:57 - The Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration36:27 - Conclusion
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Ep. 272 Fournier's Gangrene Management: Timing, Transfers & Best Practices with Dr. Judith C. Hagedorn
What does it take to save both life and function in a rapidly progressing infection? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Judith Hagedorn (University of Washington) joins Dr. George Koch (Ohio State University) to unpack the complexities of Fournier’s gangrene management.
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SYNPOSIS
They discuss advances in surgical techniques like skin-sparing debridement and the value of high-volume centers for patient outcomes. They also explore the use of wound vacuums, the challenges related to testicular management, and the future of Fournier’s gangrene treatment, including early detection and better patient scoring systems.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction3:04 - Evolution of Fournier’s Management7:50 - Management at High-Volume vs. Community Centers20:39 - Use of Wound Vacs27:03 - Testicular Management43:56 - Future Directions
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Ep. 271 How Biomarkers Enhance Precision Medicine in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer with Dr. Katie Murray and Dr. Sarah Psutka
As new genetic and AI-powered tools emerge for bladder cancer screening, are we getting closer to reducing the need for invasive cystoscopies? In part five of the 2025 BackTable NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Vignesh Packiam engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Sarah Psutka from the University of Washington and Dr. Katie Murray from NYU about the complexities and potential benefits of using biomarkers in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
https://www.ferring.com/home-classic/people-and-families/uro-uro-oncology/bladder-cancer/
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SYNPOSIS
The conversation covers the current challenges of interpreting positive biomarkers without clinical correlates, the gold standard of biopsies, and the potential of various biomarkers such as urine cytology, FISH, and newer genomic tests like the Decipher Bladder Genomic Classifier. They also touch upon the role of AI in pathology, the cost implications of biomarkers, and how these tools might influence future clinical practices and patient decisions. The episode emphasizes the need for precision medicine, careful patient counseling, and the impact of false positives and negatives on both patients and healthcare providers.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction05:25 - Challenges with Current Biomarkers08:10 - New Biomarkers and Genomic Classifiers21:10 - AI and Pathology in Bladder Cancer35:13 - Screening and Future Directions41:20 - Challenges and Future Directions in Bladder Cancer Surveillance57:51 - Conclusion
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RESOURCES
DaBlaCa-15 Trialhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40280776/
Sam Chang CHAI Studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40514253/
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Ep. 270 Reconstructive Urology: Techniques, Training & Career Pathways with Dr. Rachel Mann
Considering a reconstructive urology fellowship or already in the thick of it? This episode is for you. Dr. Rachel Mann (University of Minnesota) sits down with Dr. George Koch (Ohio State University) to discuss her journey in reconstructive urology and the mentors who shaped it. Together, they explore how creativity, adaptability, and mentorship fuel progress in this evolving subspecialty.---SYNPOSISDr. Mann also shares practical advice for residents and fellows who are planning their next steps in training. She reflects on how to identify the right fellowship, make the most of a unique learning year, and transition effectively into independent practice. The episode closes with a discussion of the future of reconstructive urology, including global health opportunities, the potential for dedicated transgender surgery fellowships, and the mindset required to continue evolving as a reconstructive surgeon.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:01 - Training and Mentorship11:09 - The Evolution and Scope of Reconstructive Urology32:49 - The Future of Reconstructive Urology35:01 - Expanding Internationally38:24 - Rapid Fire Advice for Residents45:59 - Advice for Fellows---RESOURCESThe Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons (TURNS)https://www.turnsresearch.org/Optilume ROBUST III trialhttps://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bco2.312RD-180 Suture Devicehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35070820/
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.
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