Vienna, Austria — UNC Urology PGY-4 resident Dr. Brooke Spratte was on the international stage recently at the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) 35th Congress, presenting a pediatric case report that showcases a thoughtful, safety-minded approach to complex continence surgery. Her presentation, “Trans-Perineal Approach with Peri-Rectal Dissection Facilitates Posterior Bladder Neck Placement of Wrapped Sling,” was developed under the mentorship of Dr. Hans Arora with co-authors Dr. Brad Figler and Dr. Richard Sutherland.
Dr. Spratte’s case describes a trans-perineal route with careful peri-rectal dissection that opens a direct, well-visualized path to the back of the bladder neck. That exposure allows the sling to be wrapped fully and positioned precisely—avoiding the “blind” posterior tunneling that can risk injury. In a child with neurogenic bladder, postoperative testing showed good urethral closure and sustained continence on follow-up, underscoring the technique’s promise.
“It’s truly an honor to be able to mentor our incredible residents here at UNC. Dr. Spratte continues to be exceptional and we are incredibly proud and humbled to support her continued professional development both nationally and internationally.
The technique we described here adapts techniques that are very commonplace in adult reconstructive urology, but rarely utilized in the pediatric world. By using a trans-perineal approach, we were able to avoid the uncertainties and frustrations of the traditional trans-abdominal-only approach with minimal morbidity. This patient has had an excellent outcome and continues to be continent to this day.”
Hans Arora, MD, PhD
Director of Pediatric Robotic Surgery
Associate Professor of Urology
“Having the opportunity to present this work internationally was an incredible experience. I’m so deeply grateful to our department and my UNC mentors for supporting me in traveling to share our team’s efforts and to learn from leaders in the field—including those who first pioneered the approach I presented on! This experience reinforced the collaborative and innovative spirit of pediatric urology and has deepened my commitment to pediatric urology. I hope it marks just the beginning of a long and meaningful career caring for children and their families!”
Brooke Spratte, MD
4th Year UNC Urology Resident
More About Dr. Spratte
This international podium moment reflects a pattern in Dr. Spratte’s training: meaningful scholarship, leadership, and education that translates to better care for patients and families. She has completed the Teaching As a Resident: Highlighting the Evidence and Enthusiasm of Learning (TAR HEEL) program, and was recognized at the UNC School of Medicine’s Alan W. Cross Evening of Scholarship (June 2024). Earlier in residency, she earned a competitive spot—uncommon for a then-second-year resident—at the AUA Early Career Investigators Workshop, a selective, mentorship-rich forum that accelerates research careers (October 2023). She has also served the UNC School of Medicine as a Resident Representative on the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, contributing a resident’s perspective to institutional priorities (June 2023).
A “Triple Tar Heel” in the making—with an undergraduate Health Policy & Management, MD, and now residency at UNC—Dr. Spratte continues to model how rigorous training, mentorship, and curiosity can drive patient-centered innovation in pediatric urology. Her ESPU presentation not only elevates UNC’s presence in a global forum; it reflects our department’s commitment to advancing techniques that safely expand options for children with complex urologic needs.