St. David's Surgical Hospital joins Texas study aiding men's recovery post-prostate surgery

Austin, Texas — St. David’s Surgical Hospital, a campus of St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, recently became the first hospital in Texas to enroll in an FDA IDE (Investigational Device Exemption) pivotal study aimed at helping men regain urinary control following prostate removal surgery. The investigational device, made from a dissolvable material similar to surgical stitches, is placed during prostate removal surgery to support the bladder and take urinary pressure off the urinary sphincter — the muscle that controls urination.

“Post-operative incontinence is one of the most difficult challenges patients face after prostate surgery,” Eric Giesler, MD, a urologist at St. David’s Surgical Hospital and co-principal investigator of the study, said. “Being able to offer this opportunity to our patients is a major milestone for Texas, and we’re optimistic about what this technology could mean for the future of urologic care. Our team at St. David’s Surgical Hospital is proud to be leading this work, as it reflects the level of innovation, compassion and excellence in care that our patients expect and deserve.”

St. David’s Surgical Hospital is the first and only site in Texas — and one of just ten current sites in the nation — to participate in the randomized study, which builds on successful early research conducted in Panama. In total, 266 patients will be enrolled across the country. Doctors will follow patients for up to two years after surgery to evaluate safety and effectiveness.

A prostate is typically removed due to prostate cancer. Removing the prostate can be a life-saving procedure, but it often results in complications such as urinary incontinence.

As one of the first 10 hospitals in the world selected to participate, St. David’s Surgical Hospital remains committed to advancing innovative care for patients undergoing prostate surgery.