Originally posted November 9, 2024

We concluded the robotic surgery training course. Dr. Gaston coordinated the sessions with the participants. We covered technical modules on robotic assisted procedures. The team completed all practical sessions. I reviewed the outcomes with the students. Dr. Gaston managed the coordination. The program included practical training and discussions. We focused on standard robotic techniques used in our department. The participants demonstrated proficiency in the basic skills. We will pause for a short break before scheduling the next training session.

Originally posted November 8, 2024

Today we are starting the Introductory Course to Robotic Urological Surgery. The program is the result of collaboration between the San Rafael Urology Group and ICUA. The Spanish Urology Foundation and Francisco de Vitoria University are also participating. We are honored to have Dr. Richard Gastón as our keynote speaker.

The event includes sessions on current robotic surgical techniques. The main focus is on practical training in the use of the robotic system. The event is sponsored by IpsenGroup.

The training is aimed at urologists interested in robotic surgery. Attendance has been active during the first day. We are continuing with the schedule established for this week.

Originally posted November 4, 2024

I conducted a course at Hill Clinic focused on HoLEP. We welcomed a visitor from Botswana, Dr. Ash Maher. During the four-day program, we performed 30 HoLEPs. The curriculum allowed plenty of time to discuss all subtleties of En Bloc HoLEP. We covered specific technical aspects using the Quanta System laser. The participants engaged in live surgical cases and discussions regarding patient outcomes and technique refinement. This intensive training ensured a deep understanding of the procedure.

Originally posted October 26, 2024

My colleague Moisés Socarrás has captured this powerful image that encapsulates the beauty and spirit of endoscopic surgery. Each procedure is a unique journey, where we strive for precision and dedication, drawing on the wisdom from many cases.

Originally posted October 24, 2024

This week visitors from Italy and Algeria came to our operative room for a practical session. I performed 5 HoLEP procedures while they were observing the surgeries closely. I demonstrated the En Bloc technique using the Magneto system throughout the surgeries. The laser used was the Quanta System. I focused on the specific steps of the laser dissection and tissue removal. The visitors watched the entire procedure from beginning to end without interruption. We discussed the technical aspects of the operation in detail. It was a practical session focused on the technique and the equipment. The team worked efficiently during the cases.

Originally posted October 23, 2024

I have joined the EAU Section of Endourology as an associate member. I will work with Prof. Thomas Herrmann on this section. The focus is developing projects and ideas for endourologists worldwide. We aim to advance endourology through these collaborative efforts. This membership facilitates increased interaction within the international urological community. Activities will include educational initiatives and technical improvements. The work will focus on practical applications for the specialty. This collaboration supports the development of new methods in the field. We plan to launch specific initiatives within the next year to support the community.

Originally posted October 19, 2024

Today I participated in the National Congress of the Turkish Society of Urological Surgery. I gave a presentation discussing how to avoid complications with laser enucleation. The talk focused on specific surgical steps and safety protocols for the procedure.

I explained technical nuances to help urologists minimize risks during the operation. The session was targeted at surgeons attending the congress in Turkey. We covered advanced aspects of laser application in the prostate. It was a productive discussion on technique refinement and patient safety.

Originally posted October 6, 2024

I organized a surgical training course at Hill Clinic. The attendees were urologists from Venezuela, Hungary, and Ireland. Some participants were colleagues I have worked with before, while others were new to the program.

The week was conditioned by a shortage of saline irrigant in the region, which required logistical adjustments for the laser systems. We proceeded with the HoLEP technique training regardless of the supply constraints. I presented on Enucleation. We completed the practical sessions for the group. The procedure was performed using Holmium laser technology.

Originally posted September 2, 2024

Nice course at the Hill Clinic with visitors from Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Spain, Venezuela, and Switzerland. The course covered en bloc HoLEP. 

Originally posted August 30, 2024

It has been a lovely summer. I'm now back to work with lots of new projects, courses, surgeries, and challenges! I'm working on a presentation for the meeting in Salzburg. Additionally, I'm preparing a webinar for South African colleagues.

Originally posted August 15, 2024

Saddened by the passing of Dr. Ali Serdar Gozen. He was a great man and a respected colleague. My condolences to his family and friends.

Originally posted July 28, 2024

I returned to Madrid following a course with new friends from multiple countries. Participants arrived from India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Spain for the training sessions. We conducted the instruction at the facility in Sofia.

I am now preparing for my summer holiday after the course concluded!

Originally posted June 30, 2024

This month’s course at Hill Clinic has come to an end. It was interesting to interact with new friends from Mexico and Spain.

Originally posted June 26, 2024

We hosted a group of urologists from Belgium and Portugal at our operative room. During their visit, I demonstrated the HoLEP technique. We performed five en bloc HoLEPs over a period of five hours using the Quanta System laser. This allowed the visitors to see the technique in a live setting. The efficiency of the workflow was highlighted throughout the session. The laser system facilitated the rapid dissection required for en bloc resection. It was a focused day of surgical teaching and case performance.

Originally posted June 15, 2024

Here are some photos from the recent workshop in Manila. The Philippine urologists showed great interest in learning HoLEP. The enthusiasm was palpable, and the discussions were informative.

Originally posted June 14, 2024

I traveled to Boracai for the Philippine Urological Association meeting. I met Dr. Karl in person for the first time during this event. He is a recognized reference for Anatomic Enucleation of the Endoscopic Prostatectomy (AEEP) in this region. He is actively engaged in teaching the Quanta System laser technology. We discussed specific techniques and training protocols. The meeting brought together surgeons interested in endoscopic enucleation for BPH. The event facilitated technical exchange regarding laser enucleation methods.

Originally posted June 13, 2024

I traveled to Manila, Philippines, to conduct a HoLEP masterclass at Malvar General Hospital. The session involved four HoLEP procedures performed live. Two of the cases were redo surgeries, requiring careful dissection of the adenoma plane. One patient presented with a large prostate, 200 cc in volume. We utilized the Quanta System laser for all enucleations during the training.

The local urology team participated in the observed advanced techniques practical observation cases. We discussed specific technical steps for managing large glands and complex anatomy. The training allowed for direct observation of the surgical technique. I reviewed the outcomes for the redo patients with the surgical team. The session covered the practical application of HoLEP.

Originally posted June 4, 2024

I am getting ready for the HoLEP masterclass in Manila, Philippines. During the masterclass, I will perform five live HoLEPs on not-so-straightforward cases. I will demonstrate the surgical technique on these specific patients. Following the surgical sessions, I will be lecturing at the PUA Midyear Convention. The convention takes place shortly after the masterclass. The audience will include urologists from the Philippines and the region. I will discuss the management of complex prostates and recent applications of the laser during the lecture. This schedule includes multiple days of focused training. I will share the details of the live cases.

Originally posted June 2, 2024

This week I conducted a training session at HillClinic. The participants included urologists from Mexico, Chile, and Brazil. We focused on HoLEP techniques during the intensive program. New colleagues from these Latin American countries joined the team. We reviewed specific steps of the enucleation procedure in the OR. Several cases were discussed in the lecture hall. I provided feedback on the dissection planes and mucosal preservation. This group is now familiar with the simplified approach. We completed the practical modules successfully. The training concluded with a review of patient selection criteria.

Originally posted May 28, 2024

Trying a new concept! ExactVU micro-ultrasound integrated with our Biopsee fusion system to get the best of both worlds. The micro-US image quality is amazing and enhances MRI fusion with 3D tracking of all samples. This setup allows for targeting MicroUS visible lesions not seen on MRI.