Some of the latest and most exciting urology technology will be on display during the American Urology Association (AUA) 2024 annual meeting in San Antonio next month.

Panel discussions and sessions will be in the spotlight during AUA 2024 — running May 3rd to May 6th — addressing a broad spectrum of subjects. We’d like to highlight three, touching on the cost of reusable cystoscopy, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, and the spirit of competition.

Cost and Cystoscopy

The Cost of Reusable Cystoscopy: A Microcosting Evaluation at a U.S. Academic Medical Center is a poster presentation to be led by Dr. Stephen Hassig, a urologist at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. 

This presentation is for any institution considering the financial implications of continuing with reusable scopes or transitioning to single-use cystoscopes. 

Research from 2022 comparing the cost and the environmental impact of single-use and reusable cystoscopes found that the cost of a single-use cystoscope is comparable to the cost of reprocessing a reusable one considering maintenance and administrative fees

AI is the talk of healthcare — and just about every other industry right now — so you may want to catch the on-demand session, “How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Healthcare and Its Impact on Urology Practices.”

This session delves into the growing influence of AI in healthcare, the ethical implications and risks of machine tech versus traditional methods, and the market’s response to AI.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform urology practices by improving workflow and enhancing patient care, according to Renal and Urology News. In addition, AI is also being used to automate routine and repetitive tasks so that medical professionals can redirect their focus to patient centric activities.

The AUA Residents Bowl

The AUA Residents Bowl, meanwhile, is a centerpiece event at AUA 2024.

The trivia competition brings together the brightest minds in urology, with teams from each of the eight AUA sections, including international trainees, going head to head in this battle of wits. This event not only fosters a spirit of competition and section pride but also provides a platform for residents to showcase their urology knowledge.

The winners of the 2023 AUA Residents Bowl were from the Mid-Atlantic section, and their team was named Fournier’s Gang.