Speak Out: What urologic procedures or technologies do you plan to add to your practice this year?

I added cryotherapy 2 years ago, so for 2010, I don't expect to be adding anything unless HIFU were approved.

The preliminary data for HIFU seems to show efficacy for treating prostate cancer with the highest rate of preserving potency. I think it will become the number one treatment modality.

Michael Saltzman, MD
Hood River, OR

The other arena where we are starting to use the robot is pediatrics. I don't think many physicians are using robotics in pediatrics to the extent we are; one of our doctors is even using it for augmentation for neurogenic bladder.

A lot of people feel robotics is a long run for a short slide, but parents are very happy with a minimally invasive procedure rather than a large incision that can potentially be disfiguring on a small child."

Gregory Zagaja, MD
Chicago

"I do a lot of female urology cases, and there are a lot of new, different types of mesh for vaginal reconstruction as well as anchoring devices and delivery systems for the mesh. I am testing a number of things in that vein to see if I can incorporate them into my procedures. Those are the things in the surgical line.

For this year, I'm not sure of any other major changes than those right now. "

George Young, MD
New York

"I would say we're not planning on adding anything new this year.

Our practice is pretty up to date with regard to the way we're doing most procedures, be it robotics or stones or BPH. The hospitals we work in got robots along with some additional equipment this past year, but nothing exciting.

I don't know of anything that we have our heart set on adding but are not doing now."

Gregory S. Schenk, MD
Reston, VA