Texas Urology & UroGynecology Society

03/03/2026

🧬 Physician Spotlight: Sebastian Faro, MD, PhD — Recurrent UTI Pathophysiology & Management

Sebastian Faro, MD, PhD is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist with extensive experience in gynecologic infectious disease and pelvic health. He serves as Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Houston and has long been engaged in advancing clinical understanding of complex and recurrent genitourinary infections.

In managing recurrent urinary tract infections, Dr. Faro has emphasized the limitations of purely antibiotic-centric strategies and the importance of evaluating the broader vaginal and urinary ecosystem that influences recurrence patterns.

Key clinical themes include:

• Microbial ecosystem disruption — recurrent symptoms may reflect dysbiosis, altered vaginal pH, and disruption of protective lactobacilli rather than simple reinfection.
• Biofilm and bacterial persistence — emerging evidence supports the role of microbial reservoirs in symptom recurrence.
• Antibiotic stewardship — repeated broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure can further destabilize protective flora and contribute to resistance.
• Host–microbiome interaction — thoughtful integration of bladder, vaginal, and gastrointestinal considerations into management strategies.

These perspectives align with evolving literature and represent the type of clinically practical, evidence-based discussion that TUUGS is committed to delivering.

📍 TUUGS 2026 Scientific Meeting
🗓 May 1–2, 2026 | Galveston, Texas

Registration is now open.
Attendance is limited to preserve meaningful discussion and engagement.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues in urogynecology, female urology, urology, gynecology, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for a focused, high-level scientific session.

03/01/2026

Share our searchable address:
facebook.com/TexasUrologyAndUroGynecologySociety

Official page for TUUGS: a Texas nonprofit scientific society advancing pelvic health through education, innovation, and collaboration.

02/27/2026

🌟 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Vincent Lucente 🌟

Dr. Vincent Lucente, a featured speaker at our 2026 TUUGS (Texas Urology & Urogynecology Society) Annual Meeting—May 1-2, 2026, in Galveston, Texas—contributed to a pivotal study on tibial nerve stimulation. The study demonstrated that 78% of patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in urgency incontinence, with 22% becoming fully dry—showing meaningful improvements in patient care.

Join us at the 2026 TUUGS Annual Meeting in Galveston—May 1-2, 2026! The conference is free to attend for urogynecologists, urologists, and allied pelvic health specialists. Don’t miss Dr. Lucente and other top experts—register today!

Reference:
Lucente V, Giusto G, MacDiarmid S, et al. Two-year pivotal study analysis of the safety and efficacy of implantable tibial nerve stimulation with eCoin for urgency urinary incontinence. Urology. 2024;168:24-25.

02/26/2026

🎓 Leadership Matters – TUUGS 2026

We are proud to announce that Dr. Brandon Sass will serve as Chair of the 2026 TUUGS Scientific Meeting in Galveston.

Dr. Sass represents the next generation of academic and surgical leadership in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. His commitment to education, surgical precision, and collaborative growth reflects exactly what TUUGS stands for.

Equally important is the foundation laid by the distinguished leaders who have chaired our previous meetings:

• Dr. Kathleen Kobashi – 2025 Chair
• Dr. Apurva Pancholy – 2024 Chair
• Dr. Rose Kavari – 2023 Chair
• Dr. Gokhan Kilic – Chair of our foundational formal meeting

From the beginning, TUUGS has intentionally invited both local and nationally recognized leaders in pelvic reconstructive surgery — spanning urogynecology and urology — to guide our scientific programs.

By selecting respected academic and clinical leaders as chairs, we reinforce our commitment to:

• Evidence-based medicine
• Surgical excellence
• Thoughtful innovation
• Elevating standards of care for women

This continuity of leadership is what has allowed TUUGS to grow into one of the most anticipated regional pelvic health meetings.

We are grateful to the leaders who have shaped our program — and excited for Dr. Sass to carry that momentum forward in 2026.

02/26/2026

🔳 REGISTER NOW – TUUGS 2026
📍 Galveston, Texas
🗓 Saturday, May 2, 2026

Seats are limited to preserve meaningful discussion and engagement.

If you are involved in pelvic health, this meeting is designed for you:

• Urogynecology / FPMRS
• Female Urology
• Urologists with an interest in female pelvic health
• Gynecologists
• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeons
• Physician Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners
• Fellows and Residents in related specialties

Our 5th Annual Scientific Meeting brings together national and regional faculty for focused, high-level education in pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery — all in a collegial, interactive setting.

Scan the QR code to secure your seat.

We look forward to welcoming you to Galveston.

02/26/2026

📍 TUUGS 2026 Scientific Meeting
🗓 Saturday, May 2, 2026
📍 Open Gates Mansion | Galveston, Texas

Here’s a preview of our Saturday Morning Scientific Program (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM) — a focused, high-yield session designed for providers dedicated to pelvic health and reconstructive surgery.

🔹 The Weaponization of Social Media During Litigation
Justin Rightmer, Esq.
Practical strategies to protect your digital presence and mitigate medico-legal risk.

🔹 Implantable Tibial Nerve Stimulation for UUI
Vincent R. Lucente, MD, MBA
Clinical learnings from early adoption and integration into practice.

🔹 Integrating vNOTES into Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Jens-Erik Walter, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Applications for hysterectomy and suspension procedures.

🔹 Presacral Space Anatomy with Clinical Correlations
Marlene Corton, MD, MSCS
Detailed anatomy to reduce risk during abdominal suspension procedures.

🔹 High-Yield Surgical Pearls: Small Adjustments, Big Impact
Moderator: Sami Kilic, MD
Concise video-based refinements that improve safety and efficiency.

🔹 Strategic Analysis of the Midurethral Sling for SUI
Vincent R. Lucente, MD, MBA
Strengths, limitations, and contemporary considerations.

🔹 Panel Discussion: Accessing the Pelvis — Vaginal, vNOTES, or Robotic?
Panelists: Walter, Eads, Siddiqui
A practical comparison of surgical approaches for hysterectomy and apical support.

🔹 Video Anatomy Presentations
Marlene Corton, MD
• Mastering the Retropubic Space
• Surgical Anatomy of the Cl****is & Vulvar Structures

🔹 Breaking the Cycle of Recurrent UTIs
Sebastian Faro, MD, PhD
Practical strategies for addressing biofilm-driven infection.

Registration and breakfast begin at 6:30 AM.
Sessions conclude at 1:00 PM, followed by a sponsored lunch and informal gathering on The Strand.

Every lecture is focused on practical anatomy, surgical strategy, and clinical decision-making that translates directly into improved patient care.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across Texas to Galveston for our 5th Annual Scientific Session.

02/26/2026

📢 TUUGS 2026 Scientific Meeting Announcement
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Open Gates Mansion, Galveston, Texas

We’re pleased to confirm that TUUGS will host its 5th Annual Scientific Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the historic Open Gates Mansion in Galveston.

Open Gates is one of Galveston’s most iconic historic homes. Built in the late 1880s for prominent Texas businessman George Sealy and his wife Magnolia Willis Sealy, this neo-Renaissance mansion was designed by the renowned New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White and supervised locally by famed architect Nicholas Clayton.

Completed in the early 1890s, the mansion became a center of Galveston’s social and civic life and is believed to be the only building in the southern U.S. designed by Stanford White. Over the years, Open Gates has stood as a symbol of the city’s resilience — even serving as a refuge for residents during the devastating 1900 hurricane.

Today, the mansion is part of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) conference center, blending historical charm with a unique setting for meetings and scientific exchange.

Whether you’re joining for the science, the collegial atmosphere, or just the opportunity to gather with peers in an unforgettable venue, we hope to see you there.

02/26/2026

5th Annual Texas Urology & UroGynecology Society Scientific Meeting
May 1–2, 2026 | Galveston, Texas

We are pleased to announce the 5th Annual TUUGS Scientific Meeting, taking place May 1–2, 2026 on Galveston Island.

The weekend begins Friday evening, May 1, with a reception and dinner on The Strand — an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues in a relaxed coastal setting before Saturday’s scientific program.

The formal meeting will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Open Gates – University of Texas Medical Branch,
2419 Sealy Avenue, Galveston, Texas.

This year’s meeting is chaired by Dr. Brandon Sass, Assistant Professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at McGovern Medical School. Dr. Sass has been an integral part of TUUGS since its inception and brings tremendous leadership and academic strength to this year’s program.

The meeting is designed for providers with an interest in:

• Female Urology
• Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Physicians, fellows, residents, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are all welcome.

Registration is now open.
Attendance is intentionally limited to preserve meaningful discussion and collegial engagement.

We look forward to welcoming you to Galveston for excellent faculty, valued industry partners, and the collaborative environment that has made TUUGS one of the most anticipated regional pelvic health meetings.

02/26/2026

In 2019, a small group of Texas physicians with a shared interest in pelvic health, reconstructive surgery, and minimally invasive gynecologic techniques began meeting to collaborate and learn from one another. What started as informal discussions quickly grew into something larger — a commitment to advancing education in women’s pelvic health across our state.

From those early conversations, the Texas Urology & UroGynecology Society (TUUGS) was formed.

TUUGS is a Texas nonprofit scientific medical society dedicated to advancing pelvic health through education, innovation, and collaboration. Our mission is to bring together specialists in gynecology, urogynecology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to improve patient care through shared knowledge and scientific exchange.

Our target audience includes:

• Gynecologists
• Urogynecologists / FPMRS specialists
• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeons
• Fellows and Residents
• Physician Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners
• Allied health professionals with a focused interest in pelvic health

Beginning in the spring of 2022, TUUGS launched its annual Scientific Meeting. Held each spring, this meeting provides a focused, high-level educational environment centered on contemporary pelvic health topics, surgical innovation, and collaborative discussion among peers. Attendance has continued to grow each year as more clinicians recognize the value of a Texas-based forum dedicated specifically to pelvic health.

Today, TUUGS is recognized by the State of Texas as a nonprofit scientific medical society. We remain committed to fostering collegial collaboration, supporting evidence-based education, and strengthening the quality of pelvic healthcare throughout our communities.

We look forward to continued growth and to welcoming colleagues who share a passion for advancing pelvic health.