Physician scientists in the Department of Urology at IU School of Medicine are contributing substantially to the advancement of patient care in urologic cancer, pediatric reconstruction, stone treatments and other areas.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a highly specialized surgical procedure used to remove lymph nodes surrounding the aorta and vena cava — structures located behind the peritoneal cavity that houses the small and large intestines. The foundational understanding and technique for RPLND were developed at Indiana University School of Medicine in the mid-1960s, establishing IU as the birthplace of modern testicular cancer surgery. Over the past 60 years, these techniques have been continually refined, dramatically reducing morbidity and complications while achieving outstanding patient outcomes. IU School of Medicine also pioneered the nerve-sparing RPLND approach to preserve fertility, contributing to decades of unparalleled expertise and leadership in this procedure.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess prostate tissue to relieve obstruction and restore more normal urinary function. Our center was the first to introduce this technology to the United States and continues to maintain one of the nation’s largest and most experienced HoLEP programs. Because the procedure is performed entirely through the urethra without any external incisions, patients benefit from a rapid recovery, durable symptom relief and excellent long-term outcomes.
Indiana Pouch
The Indiana Pouch was developed at IU School of Medicine in the late 1980s through a collaborative effort between our pediatric and adult urology teams. This innovative form of bladder substitution can be used in both children and adults for a variety of conditions, including spina bifida, severe stricture disease and bladder cancer. The procedure repurposes a segment of the small and large intestine to create an internal reservoir that safely stores urine, allowing patients to empty the pouch through a small abdominal stoma. By avoiding the need for an external urine bag, the Indiana Pouch offers improved continence, discretion and overall quality of life.
High-intensity focused ultrasound
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was originally studied and developed here at IU School of Medicine, where early research explored its use for benign prostatic enlargement before its evolution into a treatment option for localized prostate cancer. This incisionless therapy precisely targets and destroys cancerous tissue while preserving surrounding structures. As a result, HIFU offers excellent control of localized disease with a favorable side-effect profile, often maintaining urinary and sexual quality of life better than many traditional treatment approaches.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of inherited disorders in which the adrenal glands cannot produce key hormones — most commonly cortisol — due to enzyme deficiencies affecting about 1 in 10,000 live births in the U.S. and Europe. As a result, the body may overproduce androgens, leading to symptoms such as atypical genital development, rapid childhood growth or hormonal imbalances. Our pediatric urologists lead a comprehensive care center of excellence in the management of these patients. This requires a dedicated multi-disciplinary team to address pediatric urologic surgical issues, endocrinology management, psychologic and genetic issues.
