Highlights

In this episode of "The Shockwave Connection" Dr. Uran Berisha hosts Dr. Stefan Bundrock, a prominent urologist and specialist in shockwave therapy for men's health. Dr. Bundrock shares his fascinating career path, starting as a banker before becoming a urologist, and his deep passion for sexual medicine and pelvic health. He introduces the audience to how his journey into shockwave therapy began and why he believes it holds untapped potential for transforming how we treat conditions like erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, and Peyronie's disease.

Dr. Bundrock explains that his initial encounter with shockwave technology at a medical congress left him unimpressed. However, his perspective shifted after working with prostate cancer patients suffering from post-surgical complications like sexual dysfunction. This inspired him to explore alternative treatments beyond the traditional methods. He recounts his decision to integrate shockwave therapy into his urology practice in 2017, despite skepticism and limited evidence, relying on a "gut feeling" that it would be a game-changer.

One of the episode's highlights is Dr. Bundrock's discussion on the profound impact of shockwave therapy in treating pelvic pain. He emphasizes that while many clinicians focus on erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain often yields even better results with shockwaves. He encourages practitioners to embrace this approach, sharing real-world success stories of patients who saw life-changing improvements after just a few sessions.

The conversation also delves into the critical distinction between radial pressure waves and true shockwaves—a distinction often blurred in the medical community. Dr. Bundrock warns that while both modalities have benefits, radial waves are not equivalent to focused shockwaves and shouldn't be marketed as such, especially in sensitive areas like men's health.

He also talks about the importance of carefully selecting patients for shockwave treatment, especially in older patients or those with extensive tissue damage. His selective approach now ensures he maximizes treatment success, focusing on those who benefit most from the technology. He also touches on the psychological aspects of erectile dysfunction, which he believes can hinder treatment success in younger men, suggesting that not all dysfunction is rooted in physical causes.

Finally, Dr. Bundrock offers insights into the future of shockwave therapy. He believes the therapy will soon expand to treat pelvic floor issues in women, especially those dealing with post-childbirth complications like C-sections. His holistic approach to shockwave therapy across different medical disciplines hints at a promising future for this versatile technology.