Duke Endourology, Metabolic Stone Disease, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery Fellowship Program Structure

Fellowship applicants must have core knowledge, skills, and understanding of the basic medical sciences relevant to urinary tract stones, obstructive uropathy, and other urologic conditions that can be managed with endourologic techniques.

The fellowship will encompass a combination of clinical (75 percent) and laboratory (25 percent) training, with research opportunities in the bioeffects of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), shock wave physics, advanced imaging technologies, robotic surgical techniques, and virtual reality surgical simulation.

Duration of Training

Fellows work closely with program directors concentrating on basic and clinical investigations in managing nephrolithiasis.

We are currently involved in lithotripsy research including animal studies (bioeffects) as well as long-term clinical trials.

In addition, the fellow will participate in the endourologic training program including basic endourology (percutaneous and ureteroscopic techniques) as well as basic and advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures, with specific emphasis on techniques that would further enhance minimally invasive surgery. These studies will include three-dimensional video imaging and virtual reality surgical simulation.

Clinical Volume

Approximate number of procedures per year:

  • Laparoscopic procedures: 150
  • Percutaneous procedures: 125
  • Shock wave lithotripsy: 30
  • Uteroscopic procedures: 20

Clinical Responsibilities

The fellow will be responsible for making daily rounds with the endourology resident and will see patients in the outpatient clinic and participate in endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery.

The fellow will occasionally be required to take night call for endourology patients.