Meghan A. Cooper, D.O.

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SUMMARY

Meghan A. Cooper, D.O., focuses on improving quality of life for patients with urinary incontinence. Her research highlights the underutilization of sacral neuromodulation in men with overactive bladder, urinary retention or both. She also works to advance endoscopic techniques and bladder-sparing protocols that support early detection and prevention of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Dr. Cooper leads efforts to introduce new technologies for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, offering patients a wide range of options tailored to their individual goals. Additionally, she is committed to optimizing outcomes following endoscopic surgery.

Focus areas

• Sacral neuromodulation for male overactive bladder and urinary urge incontinence. Overactive bladder and urge incontinence are often associated with female patients, but many men also experience these conditions — frequently without receiving treatment. Dr. Cooper is working to change that by evaluating the use of sacral neuromodulation in male patients, where this therapy remains underutilized. She serves as principal investigator on a multisite prospective study examining the effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation in men with overactive bladder following outlet procedures, prostatectomy or radiation. Through this research, Dr. Cooper aims to generate valuable data to better understand the success of this therapy in male patients.
• Intravesical therapy trials for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is one of the most expensive cancers to treat and has a high recurrence rate. Dr. Cooper collaborates with urologic oncology colleagues to research alternative intravesical therapies. One such collaboration involves a phase 3 randomized trial evaluating an intravesical oncolytic adenovirus to determine whether it can reduce the risk of progression and recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, particularly in cases unresponsive to bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment. The study includes both low-grade and high-grade disease.
• Bladder-sparing protocols for carcinoma in situ (CIS). CIS is a high-grade form of bladder cancer that is often difficult to treat due to its high risk of recurrence and progression. Dr. Cooper is investigating an additional bladder-sparing approach for patients with this condition. She serves as co-principal investigator on a phase 2 randomized controlled trial evaluating an alternative intravesical therapy for patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
• Improving postoperative pain after bladder tumor resection. Dr. Cooper examines ways to decrease postoperative pain after bladder tumor resection. She is co-principal investigator of a prospective study exploring the use of valium suppositories to manage postoperative pain and bladder spasms. These symptoms are common among patients following bladder resection surgery, and the study aims to assess whether this treatment can offer meaningful relief.
• Improving postoperative pain after stent placement. Ureteral stents are routinely used in stone surgery and are one of the most common procedures urologists perform. As the principal investigator of a study examining how stent size can affect postoperative pain in patients undergoing ureteroscopy for nephrolithiasis, Dr. Cooper seeks to decrease postoperative pain and complications after endoscopic stone surgery. Her goal is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life after these surgeries.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Cooper focuses her research on helping patients feel better and recover more smoothly after certain types of bladder and prostate procedures. She looks for new and advanced treatments for common conditions like urine leakage, bladder cancer and enlarged prostates. Her goal is to offer the latest medical options while making sure care is safe, effective and tailored to each patient's needs.

Professional highlights

• American Urological Association (AUA):
  • DO representative, Young Urologists Committee, 2025-present.
  • Member, Young Urology Committee, North Central Section, 2025-present.
  • Editorial author, Patient Safety Chapter, AUA Core Curriculum, 2024-present.
• Minnesota Top Doctor, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, 2025.
• Teacher of the Year, Department of Urology, Mayo Fellows' Association, Mayo Clinic, 2025.
• Designee, Center of Excellence for Sacral Neuromodulation, Axonics, 2024.