With great anticipation and enthusiasm, the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS) will hold our first stand-alone Academic Congress this September 13–15 in Montreal, Canada. It is an exciting time to be a member of GURS. Our field continues to grow and have significant impact within urology. From transitional urology to gender-affirming surgery to cancer survivorship and trauma, our members help treat some of the most complex and technically demanding issues a urologist can face.

The GURS Academic Congress brings together thought leaders from across the world to discuss innovative surgical approaches, the latest science in reconstructive urology and best practices across a wide range of reconstructive areas. Our Academic Congress features multiple sessions for original research, including discussion and critique of select original manuscripts, to promote idea exchange and growth of reconstructive urology research.

The meeting begins with a session for the GURS Young Urologists, chaired by Dr. Andrew Cohen, Assistant Professor of Urology at Johns Hopkins. The session features a variety of speakers and moderators, and focuses on starting a research program, communicating to families after a bad outcome and transitioning from fellowship to practice. The session ends with a speed mentoring session, offering a chance for career guidance and networking.

The afternoon session focuses on posterior urethral and bladder neck reconstruction and will be a masterclass on this complex topic. First, leading innovators review novel surgical techniques including the use of mitomycin C and transurethral incision, ventral buccal inlay, and endoscopic and robotic bladder neck reconstruction. Later, Dr. Drew Peterson, Professor of Urology at Duke University, discusses when to divert a radiation-induced posterior stenosis, while GURS President, Dr. Francisco Martins, Consultant Urologist at the University of Lisbon School of Medicine, makes the case for primary repair. The session continues with a series of lectures on the management of complex pelvic fracture urethral disruption and subsequent repairs. The session will cover the pathophysiology of pelvic fracture urethral injury, the current evidence for early endoscopic urethral realignment, imaging of pelvic fracture urethral injury, postoperative erectile dysfunction and incontinence after posterior urethroplasty. The first day concludes with an expert panel covering surgical technique in treatment options for failed pelvic fracture urethral disruption repairs.

The GURS Academic Congress continues the following day with a 2-part session on male genital reconstruction. The morning starts with talks on Fournier’s gangrene, including understanding the pathophysiology and biogram of Fournier’s gangrene and the surgical management. Dr. Isak Goodwin, Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Utah, will discuss flap and grafts for the treatment of Fournier’s gangrene. Our Charles Devine Lecture will be given by Dr. Allen Morey, Professor of Urology at UT Southwestern, on Perspectives on the Treatment of Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence and Insights.

Next, we have a podium session moderated by Dr. Jeremy Myers, Program Chair and Professor of Urology at the University of Utah. Part 2 of male genital reconstruction continues with a lecture on patient perspective and patient-reported outcome measures in general urinary reconstruction, surgical technique for buried penis related to lymphedema and outpatient buried penis repair.

The second half of day 2 addresses the most complex urethral stricture, including the management of primary and failed hypospadias repair. Dr. Christopher Long, Assistant Professor of Urology in Surgery at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, will give an expert lecture on what’s new in pediatric hypospadias repair and pathophysiology. There will be a case-based discussion on challenges in urethral stricture disease and hypospadias among the panelists and an abstract session on urethral stricture disease. We complete the second day with a lecture from incoming GURS President Dr. Hunter Wessells, Professor of Urology at the University of Washington, titled, “Knowledge Gaps and Population-Based View of Urethral Stricture Management.”

Day 3 of the GURS Academic Congress features a video abstract session, a 2-part session on abdominal reconstruction and complex challenges in cancer survivorship, as well sessions on surgical optimization and frailty in reconstructive urology. Dr. Daniel Vargo, Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah, will speak on complex ventral hernia repair and total abdominal reconstruction. The day will also feature talks on radiation damage, pathophysiology and treatment. The afternoon will feature our World Professional Association for Transgender Health invited lecture on gender-affirming surgery from Dr. Loren Schechter, Professor of Plastic Surgery at Rush University.

We look forward to a dynamic 3 days of sharing new research and learning about innovations in reconstructive urology. Please join us in beautiful Montreal for this incredible session. Register at https://societygurs.org.