About

Eric A. Kurzrock, M.D., is the Chief of Pediatric Urologic Surgery, a Professor of Urology and Pediatrics, and the Vice Chair of the Department of Urologic Surgery at UC Davis Health. His clinical practice is dedicated to the urologic care of infants and children, with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as hypospadias, cloacal anomalies, neurogenic bladder, prenatal and congenital hydronephrosis, hernias, hydroceles, disorders of sexual development, undescended testicles, urinary infections, and vesico-ureteral reflux. Dr. Kurzrock emphasizes a compassionate approach to patient care, prioritizing communication, empathy, and shared decision-making with families, and he treats every child as if they were his own. His research interests include both clinical and basic science investigations. His laboratory has been focused on studying urothelial cell biology, urothelial differentiation, adult and human embryonic stem cells, and tissue engineering. Notably, he was part of the team that first identified urothelial adult stem cells, characterized urothelial stem-like cells in culture, and defined the fate of transplanted bladder tissue. He has developed a unique technique for bladder bioengineering, which is currently supported by an NIH RO1 grant. Dr. Kurzrock's work has been supported by grants from the Department of Defense, NIH, California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospital for Children, reflecting his active involvement in advancing pediatric urologic research.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Pharmacology
• Pathology
• General surgery
• Cancer research
• Cell biology
• Materials science
• Biomedical engineering
• Urology
• Internal medicine
• Biology

Selected publications

• IP64-15 VARIATION IN TIMING OF PRESENTATION AND SURGICAL REPAIR OF UNDESCENDED TESTIS IN UNITED STATES ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS

  The Journal of Urology · 2026-04-27

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Utilization of Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in United States Academic Centers

  JU Open Plus · 2025-07-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Objective: As with many new surgical techniques, Holmium and Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate has a steep learning curve with slowly increasing availability to patients. This study sought to evaluate the patient characteristics associated with utilization of laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) across nationwide academic centers. Methods: The Clinical Practice Solutions Center database was queried to identify men 40 years or older who had procedural intervention for benign prostatic hyperplasia based on International Classification of Diseases-10 and Current Procedure Terminology codes specific to LEP, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser vaporization, laser coagulation, transurethral incision, microwave thermotherapy, needle ablation, radiofrequency thermotherapy, water vapor thermotherapy, and prostatic urethral lift surgeries. Patient characteristics were analyzed with a mixed effects logistic regression model, including age by decade, race, insurance, and social deprivation index. Results: The analysis included 12,670 patients from 64 centers who underwent surgery. TURP was performed most commonly (40.0%) compared with LEP (24.4%). Every decade in older than 50 years had significantly higher odds of undergoing LEP. Hispanic subjects had significantly higher odds of undergoing LEP. Patients with the least social deprivation had 67% greater odds of receiving LEP than those with the most social deprivation ( P = .01). Conclusions: Multiple factors affect physician and patient choices of treatment. This study demonstrated that older age and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with higher utilization of LEP, while higher social deprivation correlated with lower use of the most durable procedure.

  PublisherDOI

• Ureteral contrast findings as a potential predictor for invasive intervention in high‐grade pediatric renal trauma: A retrospective analysis

  International Journal of Urology · 2025-02-07 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVES: To determine if patient variables were associated with intervention in pediatric patients presenting with high-grade renal injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients presenting with grade IV/V renal injury between 2003 and 2021 at a Level 1 trauma center was performed. Renal injury grade was verified and updated based upon the 2018 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma injury scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (median age 13 years old, IQR 9-16) with Grade IV (n = 53) or Grade V (n = 22) injury were identified. 33% (25/75) had immediate renal intervention within 24 h of admission. Of the remaining 50 children who were observed, 47 had blunt trauma, and outcomes were analyzed. The median age of observed patients was 12 years (IQR 8-14) and 30% (14/47) had intervention. Delayed images on CT showed ureteral contrast was present in 87% (41/47) of observed patients. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the presence of contrast in the ureter is associated with significantly lower odds of intervention, OR 0.06 [0-0.73, 95% CI], p = 0.03. CONCLUSION: After grades IV and V blunt renal injury, for those children who are considered safe to observe, AAST grade of injury did not associate with procedural intervention. The presence of contrast in the ureter on delayed CT imaging was associated with a significantly lower odds of procedural intervention.

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• MP34-09 READMISSION DISPARITIES AFTER GENDER AFFIRMING VAGINOPLASTY ACROSS ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS

  The Journal of Urology · 2024-04-15

  articleSenior author

  You have accessJournal of UrologyDiversity, Equity & Inclusion: Health Equity & Outcomes II (MP34)1 May 2024MP34-09 READMISSION DISPARITIES AFTER GENDER AFFIRMING VAGINOPLASTY ACROSS ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS Gabriela Gonzalez, Blythe P. Durbin-Johnson, Jennifer Anger, and Eric A. Kurzrock Gabriela GonzalezGabriela Gonzalez , Blythe P. Durbin-JohnsonBlythe P. Durbin-Johnson , Jennifer AngerJennifer Anger , and Eric A. KurzrockEric A. Kurzrock View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008876.78012.90.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A limited number of institutions nationwide offer gender-affirming vaginoplasty (GAV) services, making surgical access for patients challenging. Most GAV literature is based on single institutional case series and may not capture the diversity of TGNB patients. This study sought to evaluate perioperative outcomes and associated patient characteristics. METHODS: The Vizient Clinical Data Base was queried to identify patients over the age of 18 with gender dysphoria who underwent GAV procedure from 2016 to 2022. Encounters were identified using ICD-10 and CPT codes. The association of perioperative outcome variables such as length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital volume and complication rates in relation to patient age, race, insurance status, and hospital characteristics were analyzed using multiple regression analyses incorporating random effects for surgeon and hospital. RESULTS: This study identified 3,694 patients who underwent GAV (mean age 39 years). Table 1 represents patient and hospital characteristics. The average length of stay was 4.6 days. Treatment at a hospital with 301-500 beds was associated with a significantly shorter LOS compared to treatment at a hospital with fewer than 125 beds (p=0.039). Adjusting for all other variables in the model, Black patients had significantly higher odds of readmission than White patients (p=<1e-04), Hispanic patients have significantly higher odds of readmission than non-Hispanic patients (p=0.004426). Most patients (92.7%) were discharged to self-care, while 7.3% of patients had a non-standard discharge such as to a skilled nursing facility. Patients who were not discharged home had higher odds of readmission (p=<1e-04). Post-operative readmissions were higher for non-commercially insured beneficiaries. Readmissions at the ninety-day period included surgical wound complications, urinary retention, pain, and pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study identified differences in re-admission rates by race/ethnicity, insurance payor type, and hospital size. It is important to consider external factors for the TGNB community that can influence post-operative recovery and access to follow-up care. Source of Funding: None © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e574 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Gabriela Gonzalez More articles by this author Blythe P. Durbin-Johnson More articles by this author Jennifer Anger More articles by this author Eric A. Kurzrock More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

  PublisherDOI

• Glass half full: Non-invasive bladder biosensors for urinary volume monitoring in the neurogenic pediatric population

  Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine · 2024-11-01

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  PurposeThe goal was to elucidate and present the current landscape of bladder biosensor technology for urinary volume monitoring in the management of neurogenic bladder. The need for such technology in managing neurogenic bladder in the pediatric population is discussed, as well as the challenges researchers currently face in advancing individual technologies.MethodsA literature review including 43 articles discussing bladder biosensor and related technology for continuous urinary volume monitoring was conducted. Articles ranged from original research studies to systematic reviews.ResultsVarious continuous bladder urine volume monitoring devices have been proposed and evaluated. These devices utilize principles of ultrasound, electrical impedance tomography, near infrared spectroscopy, pressure biosensor implantation, microwave radar, and frequency modulated continuous wave radar. While several studies have shown promise in correlating device measurements to bladder urinary volume changes, ultimately researchers have not been able to surmount the challenges of optimizing configuration of device components and the impacts of dynamic position, posture, body habitus, bladder location, and urine biochemical properties that demonstrate high interpersonal variability.ConclusionThe need for developing bladder biosensor technology to provide continuous urine volume monitoring in patients with neurogenic bladder remains great. Transitioning from a time-based clean intermittent catheterization approach to a volume-based approach would possibly improve neurogenic bladder patients' quality of life. While technologies face limitations that have stalled translation to clinical practice, there is potential to build upon past work to address current challenges and meet this ever-pressing need.

  PublisherDOI

• In-situ engineering of native extracellular matrix to improve vascularization and tissue regeneration at the ischemic injury site

  Med-X · 2024-10-28 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Ischemic injury causes dynamic damage to the native extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a key role in tissue homeostasis and regeneration by providing structural support, facilitating force transmission, and transducing key signals to cells. The main approach aimed at repairing injury to ischemic tissues is restoration of vascular function. Due to their potential to form capillary niches, endothelial cells (ECs) are of greatest interest for vascular regeneration. Integrin binding to ECM is crucial for cell anchorage to the surrounding matrix, spreading, migration, and further activation of intracellular signaling pathways. In this study, we proposed to establish an in-situ engineering strategy to remodel the ECM at the ischemic site to guide EC endogenous binding and establish effective EC/ECM interactions to promote revascularization. We designed and constructed a dual-function molecule (LXW7) 2 -SILY, which is comprised of two functional domains: the first one (LXW7) binds to integrin αvβ3 expressed on ECs, and the second one (SILY) binds to collagen. In vitro, we confirmed (LXW7) 2 -SILY improved EC adhesion and survival. After in situ injection, (LXW7) 2 -SILY showed stable retention at the injured area and promoted revascularization, blood perfusion, and tissue regeneration in a mouse hindlimb ischemia model. Graphical Abstract

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 55 - Appendicostomy: a novel technique for appendiceal stoma creation

  Continence · 2024-10-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Towards non-invasive bladder volume sensing via bio-impedance spectroscopy: feasibility demonstration in ex-vivo bladder models

  2023-05-04 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  A bladder volume sensing method based on Bio-Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS) is presented in this paper. The 10 kHz to 0.5 MHz BIS is performed using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) on an ex-vivo porcine bladder. The bio-impedance response of the bladder is measured for a saline solution from 0 to 600 ml in increments of 100 ml. The measured data was further post-processed to establish a correlation between the change in bio-impedance data and the amount of change in bladder volume. The measurement was validated across five different bladders with three iterations per bladder for further assessment of data reliability. All experiments showed a decreasing pattern in bio-impedance magnitude with respect to the increase in the bladder volume, which indicates an inverse relationship between the bio-impedance magnitude and the bladder volume. In this regard, the Impedance Change Ratio (ICR) is proposed as a metric to quantitatively characterize the change in the measured impedance associated with the change in the bladder volume. The ICR showed the impedance decrease pattern for the volume increase.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Pre-operative factors associated with the development of distal ureteral stump syndrome after upper pole heminephrectomy

  Journal of Pediatric Urology · 2023-09-09 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  INTRODUCTION: For children with duplex systems and severe hydroureteronephrosis of the upper pole, heminephrectomy is one of many suitable treatments, particularly if there is no associated lower pole reflux. Distal ureteral stump syndrome (DSS) is a very difficult complication and manifests as stump empyema, urinary tract infection and/or vulvar discharge and can occur months to years later in 10-20 percent of patients. Secondary distal ureterectomy is an extremely difficult surgery due to inflammation and adhesions. To avoid DSS, distal ureterectomy at the time of heminephrectomy can be performed concurrently but carries a risk of lower pole ureter devascularization and injury. Current literature on DSS has shown associations with subtotal ureterectomy or long ureteral stumps. We hypothesized that there may be preoperative variables prior to heminephrectomy that are associated with the development of DSS. OBJECTIVE: Identify pre-operative risk factors for the development of DSS in pediatric patients who underwent upper pole heminephrectomy for duplex kidneys. STUDY METHODS: Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who underwent upper pole heminephrectomy at single, academic institution from 1999 to 2021. Pre-operative patient age, gender, history, imaging, and lab results were extracted from patient charts to assess for factors that may predict the development of DSS. Patient groups with and without DSS were compared using Fischer's Exact Test. RESULTS: Five (14%) of 36 patients developed DSS and required secondary distal ureterectomy at a median time of 22 months (IQR 6-27) after heminephrectomy. The presence of ureteral debris (80% of DSS) on preoperative ultrasound (p < 0.001), reflux into the upper pole (p = 0.005), and mucus discharge (100% of DSS) (p < 0.001) prior to surgery were found to be significantly associated with those who developed DSS, compared to those who did not. These three pre-operative factors had high specificity (97-100%) and negative predictive value (94-97%). DISCUSSION: Substantial experience has shown that less than 20% of patients benefit from distal ureterectomy during upper heminephrectomy. Whether using an open or laparoscopic approach, selection of at-risk patients should lower operative time and avoid injury and devascularization of the lower pole ureter for most patients. CONCLUSION: The presence or absence of ureteral debris, mucus discharge and/or upper pole reflux prior to heminephrectomy may be useful guides in selecting which patients would benefit from concurrent distal ureterectomy and conversely which patients may safely avoid the additional dissection.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Identifying variability in surgical practices and instrumentation for hypospadias repair across the Western Pediatric Urology Consortium (WPUC) network

  Journal of Pediatric Urology · 2023-01-10 · 7 citations

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  BACKGROUND: Although hypospadias outcomes studies typically report a level or type of repair performed, these studies often lack applicability to each surgical practice due to technical variability that is not fully delineated. An example is the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty procedure, for which modifications have been associated with significantly decreased complication rates in single center series. However, many studies fail to report specificity in techniques utilized, thereby limiting comparison between series. OBJECTIVE: With the goal of developing a surgical atlas of hypospadias repair techniques, this study examined 1) current techniques used by surgeons in our network for recording operative notes and 2) operative technical details by surgeon for two common procedures, tubularized incised plate (TIP) distal and proximal hypospadias repairs across a multi-institutional surgical network. STUDY DESIGN: A two-part study was completed. First, a survey was distributed to the network to assess surgeon volume and methods of recording hypospadias repair operative notes. Subsequently, an operative template or a representative de-identified operative note describing a TIP and/or proximal repair with urethroplasty was obtained from participating surgeons. Each was analyzed by at least two individuals for natural language that signified specified portions of the procedure. Procedural details from each note were tabulated and confirmed with each surgeon, clarifying that the recorded findings reflected their current practice techniques and instrumentation. RESULTS: Twenty-five surgeons from 12 institutions completed the survey. The number of primary distal hypospadias repairs performed per surgeon in the past year ranged from 1-10 to >50, with 40% performing 1-20. Primary proximal hypospadias repairs performed in the past year ranged from 1-30, with 60% performing 1-10. 96% of surgeons maintain operative notes within an electronic health record. Of these, 66.7% edited a template as their primary method of note entry; 76.5% of these surgeons reported that the template captures their operative techniques very or moderately well. Operative notes or templates from 16 surgeons at 10 institutions were analyzed. In 7 proximal and 14 distal repairs, parameters for chordee correction, urethroplasty suture selection and technique, tissue utilized, and catheter selection varied widely across surgeons. CONCLUSION: Wide variability in technical surgical details of categorically similar hypospadias repairs was demonstrated across a large surgical network. Surgeon-specific modifications of commonly described procedures are common, and further evaluation of short- and long-term outcomes accounting for these technical variations is needed to determine their relative influence.

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Frequent coauthors

• Blythe Durbin‐Johnson

  University of California, Davis

  37 shared

• Yvonne Y. Chan

  University of California, Davis

  31 shared

• Stacy T. Tanaka

  26 shared

• Stephanie L. Osborn

  California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

  24 shared

• Jan A. Nolta

  California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

  21 shared

• Donald G. Skinner

  Stellenbosch University

  18 shared

• Sean M. DeLair

  University of California, Davis

  18 shared

• Karim Chamie

  17 shared