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Specialties

Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Urology

Our fellowship trained laparoscopic and endoscopic urologic surgeons use techniques with instruments such as scopes and robotic arms that are less invasive than traditional “open” surgery. These minimally invasive surgeries may help you recover faster, and have been proven to lessen pain and scarring, as well as the chance of damage to surrounding nerves. This is important because it helps you maintain sensation and function after surgeries such as prostatectomy.

Highlights & Resources

Providers

  • Urology

    Biography

    Gregory T. Adams, MD performs full-spectrum urology with an emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic surgery. He treats a wide range of urologic diseases, including BPH (enlarged prostate), kidney stones, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and tumors of the kidney.

    Dr. Adams has extensive experience with the da Vinci® surgical robot for treatment of prostate cancer, tumors of kidney/ureter/adrenal gland, BPH (enlarged prostate), and obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction. His robotic procedural expertise includes radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, radical prostatectomy, simple prostatectomy (BPH), adrenalectomy, nephroureterectomy, and urinary tract reconstructive procedures. He also has advanced training in image-guided and minimally invasive treatment of kidney tumors.

    Dr. Adams is passionate about patient-centered care and improving the quality and experience of health care for his patients. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, being active in his church, and preparing gourmet meals.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Stephen A. Brassell, MD, FACS is a urologic oncologist with expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery and the management of complex urologic cancers. He is the medical director for urologic oncology, as well as medical director for St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in Boise.

    During his Army career, Dr. Brassell completed an internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by two years as battalion surgeon with the 10th Special Forces Group. While at Walter Reed he also served as a urologic oncologist, and was appointed the associate director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research, a multi-institutional national prostate cancer program, and assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

    His military courses include airborne, flight surgery, dive medical, and cold weather/mountain warfare training. He has received a Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal among other awards. Dr. Brassell chaired over 30 research studies and has published and presented over 70 articles in the urologic literature with a focus on urologic cancer.

    • Robotic and open prostatectomy
    • Robotic and open nephrectomy
    • Robotic and open partial nephrectomy
    • Robotic and open radical cystectomy
    • Robotic and open partial cystectomy
    • Robotic and open excision of retroperitoneal tumors
    • Robotic and open adrenalectomy
    • Robotic and open ureteral surgery
    • Radical orchiectomy
    • Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
    • Penectomy and organ sparing approaches to penile cancer
    • Inguinal lymph node dissection
    • Excision of any genitourinary malignancy

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Autumn Bridger, DO concentrates her practice in the evaluation and management of a wide spectrum of adult urologic disorders, including prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer; enlarged prostate (BPH); kidney stone disease; and other urologic conditions.

    Dr. Bridger's skills include use of the daVinci robotic surgery for urologic cancers and procedures such as robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, sacrocolpopexy, ureteral reimplantation and renal cyst decortication. She also enjoys offering medical and surgical treatment options for BPH, endoscopic treatment of kidney stones, and voiding dysfunction treatment and evaluation.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Jared G. Heiner, MD has a special interest in prostate cancer treatment and extensive experience using the da Vinci® surgical robot for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Michael Morris, MD has special interests in all aspects of adult urology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotic surgery), kidney stone disease, genitourinary cancer, BPH, female urology, prosthetic surgery, and infertility. Dr. Morris is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He completed his residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center, and served in the Air Force as a urologist.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • General Urology

    Biography

    Austen D. Slade, MD, MBA is the only fellowship trained HoLEP and benign prostate enlargement (BPH) specialist in Idaho and the surrounding states, he also obtained advanced training in the management and prevention of kidney stones. By dedicating his practice on these conditions, Dr. Slade is able to help patients find a tailored solution to their needs and offer the latest advances in these fields. Dr. Slade has extensive experience in HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) and is the first and currently only urologist in the country to offer MiLEP (Minimally Invasive Enucleation of the Prostate), which is a HoLEP surgery performed with miniaturized instruments to reduce trauma to the urethra and surgical side effects. He has published numerous research articles on HoLEP and kidney stone treatment and trains urologists seeking to gain these skills. 

    Dr. Slade was mentored through hundreds of cases by world experts in HoLEP during his two-year fellowship of endourology at Indiana University and was awarded the prestigious recognition as a research scholar by the American Urologic Association (AUA) for his work on male urinary symptoms and prostate enlargement. He is an author of the AUA’s “Surgical Treatment of Kidney Stones” core curriculum for urologists. 

    Prior to his medical education, Dr. Slade earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, graduating cum laude. He is an active member of the American Urologic Association, Endourological Society, and Society of Benign Prostate Disease. 

    Dr. Slade is known for his listening and thoughtful approach to understanding patient concerns and seeks to deliver the level of care he would expect for his closest family. Outside of the hospital he treasures time with his wife and kids and is an avid runner with his dog at his side.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Craig R. Spencer, MD provides care in all aspects of adult and pediatric urology, including urologic oncology, male and female voiding dysfunction, and stone disease. He performs open, laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic surgery, and is experienced in the minimally invasive Rezum™ treatment for BPH. 

    Dr. Spencer continues to serve as a commander in the Naval Reserves.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • General Urology

    Biography

    Sean P. Stroup, MD, MBA, FACS is an expert in urologic oncology and specializes in the evaluation and management of prostate, kidney, testicular, and bladder cancer, as well as benign conditions like BPH, and strictures. He is highly skilled in da Vinci® robotic surgery, management of kidney stones, and a wide array of reconstructive urologic surgery. Listening to patients and compassionately helping them through their treatment is the hallmark of Dr. Stroup’s approach to patient care.

    Dr. Stroup served 21 years in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of captain. During his military career, he was the 1st Marine Division assistant surgeon, the 15th MEU surgeon, and advance team surgeon for Pacific Partnership 2012. He also served as chairperson of urology at Naval Medical Center San Diego, published over 67 articles, and was promoted to professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Dr. Stroup also received a Meritorious Service Medal and five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, including one with a Combat “V” Distinguishing Device. 


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Michael B. Taylor, MD treats all aspects of adult urology with a special focus in benign prostatic hyperplasia, otherwise known as BPH or enlarged prostate. He was the first physician in Idaho to perform HoLEP procedures (Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) and was the first physician in the Treasure Valley to be trained in Rezum and Urolift. These are all highly minimally invasive procedures. He trains other physicians in HoLEP procedures, given his expertise and extensive experience. In addition, Dr. Taylor performs vasectomies and treats kidney stones, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and urinary incontinence in males.

    Dr. Taylor received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University where he graduated summa cum laude. He then went to medical school at the University of California, Irvine where he was elected part of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and recognized with the Surgical Student of the Year Award. He completed his urology residency at the University of Utah and is a member of the American Urologic Association.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

Procedures & Treatments

  • Robotic or minimally invasive surgery for the urinary tract and male reproductive organs.