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Dr. Dinesh Kansal’s Surgical Breakthroughs for Stress Urinary Incontinence at WALS 2025 The field of minimally invasive gynecological surgery has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, and Dr. Dinesh Kansal stands at the forefront of this evolution. A renowned gynecologist and obstetrician with over four decades of experience, Dr. Kansal has made significant contributions to the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Her expertise in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, honed through advanced training at Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, has positioned her as a global leader in the field. At the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) 2025 conference, held on February 24, 2025, Dr. Kansal showcased her pioneering surgical breakthroughs, offering new hope to women suffering from SUI. This article explores her innovative techniques, their impact on patient outcomes, and their significance in the context of the WALS 2025 platform. Understanding Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) Stress urinary incontinence is a common condition characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It occurs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or compromised urethral sphincter function, often resulting from childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes. For many women, SUI significantly diminishes quality of life, leading to embarrassment, social withdrawal, and physical discomfort. While conservative treatments like pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle modifications can help mild cases, surgical intervention remains the gold standard for moderate to severe SUI. Traditionally, procedures like the Burch colposuspension and pubovaginal sling were used to treat SUI. However, these approaches often involved larger incisions, longer recovery times, and higher risks of complications. The advent of minimally invasive techniques, such as mid-urethral slings (e.g., Tension-Free Vaginal Tape or TVT), marked a significant improvement, but challenges like mesh-related complications and variable long-term efficacy have spurred the need for further innovation. This is where Dr. Dinesh Kansal’s work shines, blending precision, technology, and patient-centered care to redefine SUI surgery. Dr. Dinesh Kansal: A Trailblazer in Gynecological Surgery Dr. Dinesh Kansal is the Senior Director and Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Laparoscopic Surgery at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, India. With a career spanning over 42 years, she has performed more than 11,000 minimally invasive gynecological surgeries, earning her a reputation for excellence and innovation. Her academic journey began with an MBBS and MD/MS from the University of Bombay, followed by specialized training in laparoscopic and robotic surgery at Harvard Medical School. This unique blend of traditional expertise and cutting-edge skills has enabled her to tackle complex gynecological conditions, including SUI, with unmatched precision. Dr. Kansal’s contributions extend beyond the operating room. She is a Director at a FOGSI-recognized training center for advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery, where she has mentored countless surgeons from across India. Her leadership roles, including chairperson and invited speaker at national and international conferences, reflect her commitment to advancing the field. At WALS 2025, her presentation on SUI surgical breakthroughs highlighted her role as a visionary in minimally invasive surgery. Breakthrough Techniques in SUI Surgery At the WALS 2025 conference, Dr. Kansal presented her latest advancements in the surgical management of SUI, focusing on refined laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques. These innovations address the limitations of traditional and earlier minimally invasive approaches, offering improved efficacy, safety, and patient recovery. Below are the key breakthroughs she showcased: 1. Modified Laparoscopic TVT-O Procedure Dr. Kansal has refined the Tension-Free Vaginal Tape-Obturator (TVT-O) technique, a widely used mid-urethral sling procedure for SUI. Her modified laparoscopic approach enhances visualization and precision during sling placement, minimizing the risk of complications such as bladder perforation or mesh erosion. By integrating advanced imaging and robotic assistance, she ensures optimal tension adjustment, which is critical for long-term continence without compromising urethral function. Her presentation included a live demonstration video, highlighting the meticulous dissection and placement process, which resonated with the global audience at WALS. 2. Robotic-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy with SUI Correction For women with concurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and SUI, Dr. Kansal has developed a hybrid robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy technique that simultaneously addresses both conditions. This procedure involves suspending the vaginal apex to the sacrum using a synthetic mesh, while incorporating a tailored urethral support mechanism to treat SUI. The robotic platform allows for unparalleled precision in suturing and tissue handling, reducing operative time and enhancing outcomes. At WALS 2025, she shared data from her patient cohort, demonstrating a 90% continence rate at one-year follow-up, with minimal recurrence of prolapse or incontinence. 3. Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension Revival While mid-urethral slings have largely replaced the Burch colposuspension, Dr. Kansal has revitalized this classic procedure using a laparoscopic approach. By suspending the anterior vaginal wall to Cooper’s ligament with fine laparoscopic sutures, she achieves robust urethral support without the need for synthetic mesh—a significant advantage for patients wary of mesh-related risks. Her technique reduces morbidity compared to open surgery, with patients experiencing shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. At WALS, she emphasized how this method serves as a viable alternative for women with recurrent SUI or those unsuitable for sling procedures. 4. Personalized Surgical Planning with 3D Modeling A standout feature of Dr. Kansal’s approach is her use of 3D pelvic modeling to customize surgical plans for each patient. By analyzing preoperative imaging, she maps the patient’s pelvic anatomy, identifying specific areas of weakness or hypermobility. This allows her to tailor the surgical technique—whether TVT-O, sacrocolpopexy, or Burch colposuspension—to the individual’s needs, optimizing outcomes. At WALS 2025, she presented case studies illustrating how this technology reduces operative risks and enhances continence rates, earning praise from peers for its forward-thinking application. Conclusion Dr. Dinesh Kansal’s surgical breakthroughs for stress urinary incontinence, presented at WALS 2025, represent a monumental step forward in gynecological surgery. Her mastery of laparoscopic and robotic techniques, combined with a patient-centric approach, has redefined how SUI is treated, offering women safer, more effective, and less invasive options. As a pioneer in her field, she continues to inspire the global medical community, proving that innovation and compassion can transform lives. Her work at WALS 2025 not only solidified her legacy but also set the stage for the next era of minimally invasive surgery, promising a brighter future for women battling SUI.