Dr. Hugo Davila is a board-certified urologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University, College of Medicine. He completed his surgery and urology training at the University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Davila currently practices at Florida Healthcare Specialists (an affiliate practice of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute) and Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. He is a leading physician researcher, having previously completed clinical studies on fibrosis, aging, and nitric oxide. His studies were published in prestigious journals, such as Biology of Reproduction, Cardiovascular Research, Urology and British Journal of Urology.
What is your professional history with advanced ultrasound imaging? When were you introduced to this technology and how do you use it today?
My ultrasound skills have evolved over many years based on new indications and my professional goals. In 2005, I started using ultrasound with prostate biopsies during my urology training at the University of South Florida. In 2008, I incorporated ultrasound during robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomies. In 2017, I started doing transperineal fusion-guided target prostate biopsies; hence, this year I was introduced to BK Medical’s technology and systems. In 2020, we described our technique of ultrasonography and robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy using the 3D endovaginal ultrasound probe from BK Medical. Therefore, BK technology fulfilled my professional goals and produced valuable information for me as a surgeon and physician in my office and as well in the operating room.
What clinical benefit does a dynamic ultrasound exam provide you and your patients? How does it compare to MRI?
Ultrasound allows us to evaluate female pelvic disorders at rest and during Valsalva. This real-time assessment identifies pelvic organs, muscles, ligaments and fascias during an increase of abdominal pressure. This dynamic evaluation cannot be done with MRI. The 3D images we collect with ultrasound can be downloaded with bkViewer software which allows us to review our patient’s anatomy before surgeries and during surgery on our laptop. MRI systems are only available in one place, but ultrasound machines can be transferred to different areas in the clinic and operating room. Ultrasound evaluation is also done in the office without exposing the patient to any IV dye or magnetic field.
Do ultrasound devices that offer customized procedural features provide benefits to facilities like yours? Why?
Yes. Customized procedures for urologists, gynecologists, colorectal surgeons, and uro-gynecologists provide faster evaluations, improving patient care experience and efficiency.
