Scholars@Duke
Tara N Morgan

Tara N Morgan

Assistant Professor of Urology
Urology

Selected Publications

Detection of clinically significant prostate cancer using targeted MRI-informed microultrasound biopsy.

Journal Article Eur Radiol · November 22, 2025 OBJECTIVES: This study compares the rate of detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) using multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)-informed microultrasound-guided (microUS) biopsy to historical published data using mpMRI-ultrasound (mpMRI-US) fusion ... Full text Link to item Cite

Patients with Marked Prostatomegaly and Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Have Inferior Perioperative Outcomes Following Radical Prostatectomy.

Journal Article J Clin Med · November 11, 2025 Background/Objectives: While robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the standard surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer, patients with marked prostatomegaly may experience worse outcomes. The current literature lacks generalizable, multi- ... Full text Link to item Cite

Factors associated with erectile dysfunction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS): a Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) study.

Journal Article Transl Androl Urol · August 30, 2025 BACKGROUND: Erectile function (EF) and its associated covariates have not been extensively studied in a large covariate of patients seeking treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Our objective is to determine the relationship between urinary sy ... Full text Link to item Cite

Simple prostatectomy followed by radiation therapy for prostate cancer: a novel treatment pathway for men with marked prostatomegaly and prostate cancer: a series of cases.

Journal Article Can J Urol · August 29, 2025 BACKGROUND: Radical prostatectomy has long been the treatment of choice for men with clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) in those with concurrent significant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). For men who meet this description with marked prosta ... Full text Link to item Cite

Catastrophic gross hematuria two decades after spinal surgery: A case report of an Arterioureteral fistula.

Journal Article Urol Case Rep · July 2025 Arterioureteral fistula (AUF) is a rare and life-threatening pathologic condition. Risk factors most commonly include chronic indwelling ureteral stents or a history of pelvic radiation. We present a case of a 58-year-old female who presented with catastro ... Full text Link to item Cite

Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN II) Urinary Urgency Phenotyping Study: Methods and Baseline Urinary Symptoms by Age and Sex.

Journal Article Neurourol Urodyn · June 2025 AIMS: To present the methods and baseline findings from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of treatment seeking adults with urinary urgency (URG) with or without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). METHODS: Adults seeking treatment for URG and/or UUI ... Full text Link to item Cite

Expanded Physiological Testing of the Lower Urinary Tract in Asymptomatic Women and Those With Urgency Urinary Incontinence: Findings From the LURN-Organ Study.

Journal Article Neurourol Urodyn · June 2025 PURPOSE: To investigate sensory and motor function of the bladder and urethra in women with and without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment-seeking women with UUI and healthy, asymptomatic, nontreatment seeking controls enr ... Full text Link to item Cite

Partial nephrectomy case report: Lower pole segmental vein thrombus

Journal Article Urology Video Journal · March 2025 Full text Cite

Lack of group-to-individual generalizability in people with lower urinary tract symptoms emphasizes the need for deep phenotyping and personalized treatments.

Journal Article J Clin Transl Sci · 2025 INTRODUCTION: Understanding how different symptoms co-occur and are correlated may provide insights into the pathophysiology of disease. The lack of group-to-individual generalizability of co-occurrence of symptoms was recently demonstrated by comparing in ... Full text Link to item Cite

Establishing a Robotics Team and Practice

Chapter · January 1, 2025 Establishing a successful urologic robotics program requires an organized team of individuals invested in accomplishing well-defined program goals. In this chapter, we provide a practical framework for program planning: focusing on personnel selection, per ... Full text Cite

Evaluating Acetate as a Renoprotective Agent After Kidney Ischemia in a Porcine Model.

Journal Article J Endourol · July 2024 Objective: Renoprotection from reperfusion injury appears to be conferred by HIF-2a activation, which can be stimulated by exogenous acetate administration. The study objective was to assess whether administration of acetate in a porcine model can mitigate ... Full text Link to item Cite

Evaluating robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy surgeons with fully convolutional segmentation and multi-task attention networks.

Journal Article J Robot Surg · October 2023 We use machine learning to evaluate surgical skill from videos during the tumor resection and renography steps of a robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). This expands previous work using synthetic tissue to include actual surgeries. We investigate c ... Full text Link to item Cite

Initial Postoperative Prostate Specific Antigen and PSA Velocity Are Important Indicators of Underlying Malignancy After Simple Prostatectomy.

Journal Article J Endourol · September 2023 Background: There is a paucity of guidelines for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) monitoring after simple prostatectomy (SP) despite these patients remaining at risk for prostate cancer (PCa). Our objective was to determine if PSA kinetics can be a potentia ... Full text Link to item Cite

Evaluating robotic-assisted surgery training videos with multi-task convolutional neural networks.

Journal Article J Robot Surg · August 2022 We seek to understand if an automated algorithm can replace human scoring of surgical trainees performing the urethrovesical anastomosis in radical prostatectomy with synthetic tissue. Specifically, we investigate neural networks for predicting the surgica ... Full text Link to item Cite

Identifying predictors of antispasmodic use following robotic assisted simple prostatectomy.

Journal Article Can J Urol · April 2022 INTRODUCTION: Anticholinergic or ß-3 agonist use following robotic simple prostatectomy (RASP) is not well described. We describe rates of antispasmodic use following RASP and identify potential predictors of medication use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retros ... Link to item Cite

MRI Features Associated with Histology of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Nodules: Generation of a Predictive Model.

Journal Article J Endourol · March 2022 Background: Histologic phenotypic variation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been hypothesized to underlie response to medical therapy. We evaluate preoperative MRI of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) specimens and determine imaging feat ... Full text Link to item Cite

Clinical Outcomes of Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Pathologic T3a Renal Masses With Venous Tumor Thrombus.

Journal Article Urology · January 2022 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and early oncologic outcomes of pathologic T3a (pT3a) renal cell carcinoma with venous involvement treated with robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN), given that experience and outcomes in this group is limited. MET ... Full text Link to item Cite

Irreversible Electroporation for the Treatment of Small Renal Masses: 5-Year Outcomes.

Journal Article J Endourol · November 2021 Introduction: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a nonthermal ablative technology that applies high-voltage short-pulse electrical current to create cellular membrane nanopores and ultimately results in apoptosis. This is thought to overcome thermal lim ... Full text Link to item Cite

Radiofrequency Ablation of Small Renal Masses.

Journal Article J Endourol · September 2021 Although the incidence of localized renal cell carcinoma has increased in recent decades due to greater use of imaging, the treatment has shifted to less invasive, nephron-sparing approaches. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one accepted treatment modality ... Full text Link to item Cite

Use of Pre-operative Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis for Robotic Partial Nephrectomy.

Journal Article Urology · August 2021 OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a single dose of preoperative enoxaparin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis impacts rates of thrombotic and bleeding events after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPNx). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of RPNx pa ... Full text Link to item Cite

Sacral Neuromodulation: Determining Predictors of Success.

Conference Urology · July 2021 OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of success for sacral neuromodulation in women with overactive bladder, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on women who underwent a staged sacral neuromodulation ... Full text Link to item Cite

Single Port Robotic Surgery in Urology.

Journal Article Curr Urol Rep · February 8, 2021 PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive review on the new da Vinci SP (single port) robotic surgical system. The published literature to date within urology and a description of the new system will be discussed. FINDINGS: There are currently no high-quality pu ... Full text Link to item Cite

Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019.

Journal Article J Clin Oncol · August 20, 2020 PURPOSE: Germline testing (GT) is a central feature of prostate cancer (PCA) treatment, management, and hereditary cancer assessment. Critical needs include optimized multigene testing strategies that incorporate evolving genetic data, consistency in GT in ... Full text Link to item Cite

Thermal block of mammalian unmyelinated C fibers by local cooling to 15-25°C after a brief heating at 45°C.

Journal Article J Neurophysiol · June 1, 2020 The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in cold block of unmyelinated C fibers in the tibial nerve by preconditioning with heating and to develop a safe method for thermal block of C-fiber conduction. In seven cats under α-chloralose anesthesi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Peripelvic Lymphatic Malformation Presenting With Gross Hematuria and Renal Colic: A Case Report.

Journal Article Urology · May 2020 Renal lymphangectasia is a benign malformation of the lymphatics which can be perirenal or peripelvic in location. Diagnosis is made on imaging including ultrasound, computed tomography , or MRI. We present an unusual case of renal lymphangectasia presenti ... Full text Link to item Cite

Additive Inhibition of Reflex Bladder Activity Induced by Bilateral Pudendal Neuromodulation in Cats.

Journal Article Front Neurosci · 2020 OBJECTIVE: To determine the inhibitory effect on bladder activity induced by bilateral pudendal neuromodulation. METHODS: In 10 cats under anesthesia, two tripolar cuff electrodes were implanted bilaterally on the pudendal nerves for stimulation. A double ... Full text Link to item Cite

SACRAL NEUROMODULATION: DETERMINING PREDICTORS OF SUCCESS

Conference INTERNATIONAL UROGYNECOLOGY JOURNAL · September 1, 2019 Link to item Cite

Editorial Commentary.

Journal Article Urol Pract · September 2019 Full text Link to item Cite

Single institutional experience with initial ultrasound followed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for acute appendicitis in adults.

Journal Article Abdom Radiol (NY) · July 2019 PURPOSE: The objectives of this study was to assess the performance of ultrasound (US) for suspected appendicitis in adult patients and to evaluated the additive value of short-interval (within 1 week) computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging ... Full text Link to item Cite

Low pressure voiding induced by a novel implantable pudendal nerve stimulator.

Journal Article Neurourol Urodyn · June 2019 AIM: To validate the functionality of an implantable pudendal nerve stimulator under development for Food and Drug Administration approval to restore bladder function after spinal cord injury. METHODS: In nine cats under anesthesia, two tripolar cuff elect ... Full text Link to item Cite

SACRAL NEUROMODULATION: DETERMINING PREDICTORS OF SUCCESS

Conference JOURNAL OF UROLOGY · April 1, 2019 Link to item Cite

Sympathetic afferents in the hypogastric nerve facilitate nociceptive bladder activity in cats.

Journal Article Am J Physiol Renal Physiol · April 1, 2019 This study in α-chloralose-anesthetized cats revealed a role of hypogastric nerve afferent axons in nociceptive bladder activity induced by bladder irritation using 0.25% acetic acid (AA). In cats with intact hypogastric and pelvic nerves, AA irritation si ... Full text Link to item Cite

Small cell bladder cancer: should we consider prophylactic cranial irradiation?

Journal Article Int Braz J Urol · 2019 PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in patients with small cell bladder cancer at our institution, including those who received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for the prevention of intracranial recurr ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Contemporary best practice in the management of staghorn calculi

Journal Article Therapeutic Advances in Urology · January 2019 Staghorn calculi are complex renal stones that occupy the majority of the renal collecting system. These stones are associated with high morbidity and can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections, urosepsis, renal deterioration, and death if lef ... Full text Cite

Imaging findings of concealed intra-amniotic hemorrhage in the setting of placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum disorder.

Journal Article Emerg Radiol · October 2018 Placental abruption is an important cause of feto-maternal hemorrhage, with significant impact on both fetal and maternal mortality. In most cases, it presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. However, vaginal bleeding may be absent with concealed ... Full text Link to item Cite

Conservative Management of Staghorn Calculi: When Is It Safe?

Journal Article J Endourol · June 2018 BACKGROUND: To describe the clinical characteristics, infectious and kidney function patterns, and overall outcomes in a cohort of patients with staghorn calculi treated conservatively. METHODS: Staghorn calculi treated nonoperatively between January 2009 ... Full text Link to item Cite

Inguinal Herniation of Perinephric Tissue: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Journal Article Journal of Osteopathic Medicine · December 1, 2017 AbstractInguinal hernias containing a kidney or perinephric tissue are extremely rare and usually related to cases involving a kidney positioned in the pelvis. We report the case of a 79-year-old man who pre ... Full text Cite

Renal Forniceal Rupture: Is Conservative Management Safe?

Journal Article Urology · November 2017 OBJECTIVE: To outline treatment considerations and outcomes for a cohort of patients with forniceal rupture with the aim of adding to a very limited body of literature regarding clinical practice in this area. METHODS: We retrospectively searched all radio ... Full text Link to item Cite

Splenic Vein Thrombosis Following Pancreas Transplantation: Identification of Factors That Support Conservative Management.

Journal Article Am J Transplant · November 2017 Prophylaxis for graft portal/splenic venous thrombosis following pancreas transplant varies between institutions. Similarly, treatment of venous thrombosis ranges from early re-exploration to conservative management with anticoagulation. We wished to deter ... Full text Link to item Cite

Effect of a concomitant urologic procedure on outcomes following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Journal Article Journal of Surgical Oncology · February 2016 Background and ObjectivesTo evaluate whether urologic procedures during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS‐HIPEC) are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. ... Full text Cite

Value of Intraoperative Sonography in Pancreatic Surgery.

Journal Article J Ultrasound Med · July 2015 The utility of intraoperative sonography for pancreatic disease has been well described for detection and evaluation of neoplastic and inflammatory pancreatic disease. Intraoperative sonography can help substantially reduce surgical time as well as decreas ... Full text Link to item Cite

Advances in CT Colonography for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis.

Journal Article J Cancer · 2013 CT colonography (CTC) is a validated colorectal cancer test that provides an additional minimally-invasive screening option which is likely to be preferred by some patients. Important examination prerequisites include adequate colonic cleansing and distent ... Full text Link to item Cite