Spotlight on Urology
Spotlight on Urology takes a look at recent activities undertaken to advance urology around the world. This week, we provide an update on media coverage as well as a wrap-up of the Ballarat Teaching Weekend.
Media Update: Bladder Health
Last week, USANZ announced the publication of 2 new media releases, including one on bladder health from delaying going to the bathroom.
Media coverage of this topic has continued. This week, USANZ Female Urology SAG Deputy Leader Sandra Elmer was interviewed by 7NEWS. The subsequent article, titled "How long is too long to hold your pee? Expert warns of bladder damage", was published on 26 July.
Sandra focused on the potential risks involved with 'holding it in', including overstretching the bladder muscle which impedes its ability to contract effectively. This may lead to issues such as a slower stream or not fully emptying the bladder, increasing risks of UTIs and urinary incontinence.
The article also noted that people whose jobs make it difficult to access a toilet may be particularly vulnerable such as truck drivers, nurses, and teachers, as well as children who avoid the toilet at school. Finally, Sandra discussed the idea of 'breaking the seal' when drinking alcohol, noting it was largely a myth and that avoiding the bathroom could do more harm.
Thank you, Sandra, for your ongoing work to educate the public about this urological issue.
Media Update: Birth Trauma
The second USANZ media release for June related to Birth Trauma Awareness Week which ran from 13-19 July 2026.
USANZ Member Caroline Dowling was interviewed by Sarah Howells for ABC Sunshine Coast Mornings on 27 July. Caroline spoke about the impact that birth trauma can have on pelvic floor health.
Sarah opened the interview by acknowledging a recent coronial finding related to a baby who died following an unassisted home birth in October 2024. The parents had experienced a traumatic hospital birth with first child so wanted to avoid that setting. This is a growing trend.
1 in 3 Australian women experience birth trauma, which encompasses a wide range of physical or psychological effects experienced by women and their partners related to birth. In response, many women are turning away from hospital births.
Caroline spoke about urological concerns related to delivery including urinary incontinence, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain, including years after birth.
She foregrounded ongoing efforts to empower women when it comes to decision-making in pregnancy and delivery. In particular, Caroline encouraged women to speak to their health practitioners before the delivery about their options, as well as afterwards if they experience any symptoms. Caroline also highlighted other useful resources including the Birth Trauma Australia website as well as local mother's group and nurses, especially if women have a poor experience with a particular health service.
It's important that people feel supported and that hospital services work to improve their systems to reduce birth trauma.
Listen to the interview (commences 45:50)
It's great to see USANZ Members contributing to these key discussions and raising awareness. Thank you Caroline!
Media Update: Pelvic Mesh Surgery
USANZ was also pleased to see continued media coverage from the Society's June press release on pelvic mesh.
On 23 July, The Australian Women's Weekly published an article titled "‘No one knows your body better’: Sally’s message to women after pelvic mesh surgery".
The article focused on the patient experience of Sally Walker, who had pelvic mesh surgery in 2009 to treat her double pelvic organ prolapse, but experienced complications from the surgery. Her health deterioated over a number of years, including severe pain and, eventually, sepsis which led to the discovery that the mesh had penetrated her bladder. She was subsequently treated by USANZ Member Eva Fong, eventually having her bladder removed and vagina surgically closed. Now 17 years later, Sally still lives with the consequences.
Sally's experience has helped inform new postoperative questionnaires for women having pelvic floor surgery for incontinence or prolapse, and those living with unexpected outcomes from earlier procedures. The questions ask about treatment goals as well as lived experiences. As Eva noted: "You will never find something you don’t ask about or look for". Sally adds a reminder to patients: "No one knows your body better than you do.”
Eva encouraged patients to discuss any concerns with their doctors, especially after pelvic floor surgery.
This follows a previous UroNews announcement about media coverage of this topic on 19 June.
USANZ thanks Eva for her expert contributions to this important subject, both in helping to develop the questionnaires and in speaking to the media.
Ballarat Teaching Weekend
The USANZ Victoria Teaching Weekend was held on 17-19 in Ballarat. Thank you to USANZ Member Gavin Wei (Intermediate 2 Trainee) who provided the following report and photographs from the event.
The recent USANZ Victoria Teaching Weekend in Ballarat brought together trainees for an engaging, thoughtfully curated program on radiology, incontinence, oncology, and infertility. Highlights included a spirited and entertaining debate on PLND for prostate cancer between Jennifer Xu and Sachin Perera, as well as a session on infertility and vasectomy which provided valuable practical insights into a topic less frequently encountered in our day-to-day practice.
On Saturday, despite the chilly 3°C start, trainees embraced an early morning run around the picturesque Lake Wendouree, with Kirby Qin taking first place, followed by Jake Tempo and Chris Soliman. The weekend also provided an excellent opportunity for trainees to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting with Ballarat’s food scene fully on show.
Sunday's program continued with a mock fellowship examination, providing candidates with a valuable opportunity to refine their exam technique and receive detailed, constructive feedback from examiners. This was followed by an insightful session on life after training, with practical advice on fellowship opportunities, career planning, and the transition into private practice, offering trainees an invaluable perspective on the next stage of their careers.
The success of the weekend would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors—Avant, Bayer, Ipsen, and Mundipharma. We also extend our sincere thanks to the invited speakers for generously contributing their time and expertise, and to the Ballarat Urology team for their outstanding hospitality. In particular, we thank Dr Kiran Manya for convening an engaging and highly successful weekend that was both educational and enjoyable for all who attended.
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