Janet Kukreja, MD

Associate Professor, Surgery-Urology

Faculty Photo
Medical School
  • MD, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine (2010)
Graduate School
  • MPH, University of Rochester (2014)
Undergraduate School
  • BA, University of Missouri–Kansas City (MO) (2009)
Residency
  • University of Rochester Program, Chief Resident, Urology (2016)
Fellowships
  • University of Texas at Houston/M D Anderson Cancer Center Program, Urologic Oncology (2018)
Languages
English
Department
Surgery-Urology

Professional Titles

  • Urologic Oncologist
  • Director of Urologic Oncology

Recognitions

  • Teacher of the Year, University of Colorado Residents (2026)
  • Teacher of the Year, University of Colorado Urology Residents (2024)
  • Medical Staff Quality Improvement Award, University of Colorado Hospital (2021)
  • John Quale Travel Fellowship, Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (2017)
  • Outstanding Laparoendoscopic Resident Award, Society for Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (2017)

Research Interests

Bladder Cancer

Publications

  • Titus RS, Mundra V, Velasquez EL, Xu J, Riveros C, Ranganathan S, Porika A, Reddy R, Kaushik D, Kukreja J, Li R, Wallis CJD, Satkunasivam R. The association between prior pelvic radiotherapy for cancer and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: An analysis of national surgical quality improvement program targeted cystectomy database. Urol Oncol. 2025 Sep 25. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 41006132
  • Gupta S, Hensley PJ, Li R, Choudhury A, Daneshmand S, Faltas BM, Flaig TW, Grass GD, Grivas P, Hansel DE, Hassanzadeh C, Kassouf W, Kukreja J, Mendoza-Valdés A, Moschini M, Mouw KW, Navai N, Necchi A, Rosenberg JE, Ross JS, Siefker-Radtke AO, Taylor J, Willliams SB, Zlotta AR, Buckley R, Kamat AM. Bladder Preservation Strategies in Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Recommendations from the International Bladder Cancer Group. Eur Urol. 2025 Apr 22. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 40268594
  • Wiesen B, Hargis P, Flores H, Kukreja J. Updated review on novel therapies and ongoing clinical trials for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Front Oncol. 2025;15:1519428. PubMed PMID: 40061902
  • Doersch KM, Gonzalez R, Flynn BJ, Kukreja JB. Improving safety in the performance of robotic urinary diversions: a narrative review. Ther Adv Urol. 2025 Jan-Dec;17:17562872251315302. PubMed PMID: 39872242
  • Welliver C, MacLachlan LS, Riggs S, Kukreja JB, Miles-Thomas J. A Multifaceted Assessment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Practice and AUA Guideline Adherence. Urol Pract. 2024 Nov;11(6):950-955. PubMed PMID: 39196671
  • Wiesen B, Atwell M, Leavitt C, Clark N, Kessler E, Lam E, Flaig T, Kukreja J, Kim S, Maroni P, Cost NG. Use of Peripheral Intravenous Access in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract. 2024 Mar;20(3):361-369. PubMed PMID: 38127812
  • Welliver C, MacLachlan LS, Riggs S, Kukreja JB, Miles-Thomas J. A Multifaceted Assessment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Practice and AUA Guideline Adherence. Urol Pract. 2024 Nov;11(6):950-955. PubMed PMID: 39196671
  • Wiesen B, Atwell M, Leavitt C, Clark N, Kessler E, Lam E, Flaig T, Kukreja J, Kim S, Maroni P, Cost NG. Use of Peripheral Intravenous Access in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract. 2024 Mar;20(3):361-369. PubMed PMID: 38127812
  • Kukreja JB. Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Side-by-Side Guideline Comparison. Eur Urol Focus. 2023 Nov;9(6):954-956. PubMed PMID: 37308343
  • Wiesen B, Atwell M, Leavitt C, Clark N, Kessler E, Lam E, Flaig T, Kukreja J, Kim S, Maroni P, Cost NG. Use of Peripheral Intravenous Access in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract. 2023 Dec 21;:OP2300580. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 38127812
  • Kukreja JB. Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Side-by-Side Guideline Comparison. Eur Urol Focus. 2023 Nov;9(6):954-956. PubMed PMID: 37308343
  • Westerman ME, Bree KK, Msaouel P, Kukreja JB, Mantaring C, Rukundo I, Gonzalez MG, Gregg JR, Casteel KN, Matin SF. Apixaban vs Enoxaparin for Post-Surgical Extended-Duration Venous Thromboembolic Event Prophylaxis: A Prospective Quality Improvement Study. J Urol. 2022 Oct;208(4):886-895. PubMed PMID: 36082549
  • Kukreja JB, Schroeck FR, Lotan Y, Gore JL, Ullman R, Lipman RR, Murray MBB, Chisolm S, Smith AB. Discomfort and relieving factors among patients with bladder cancer undergoing office-based cystoscopy. Urol Oncol. 2022 Jan;40(1):9.e19-9.e27. PubMed PMID: 34162499
  • Pessoa RR, Maroni P, Kukreja J, Kim SP. Comparative effectiveness of robotic and open radical prostatectomy. Transl Androl Urol. 2021 May;10(5):2158-2170. PubMed PMID: 34159098
  • Rodrigues Pessoa R, Mueller AC, Boxley P, Flaig TW, Piper C, Konety B, Yu JB, Gershman B, Kukreja J, Kim SP. Systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation therapy for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Urol Oncol. 2021 Nov;39(11):786.e1-786.e8. PubMed PMID: 33846085
  • Rodrigues Pessoa R, Morrison JC, Konety B, Gershman B, Maroni P, Kukreja JB, Cost N, Flaig T, Kessler E, Sharma P, Kim SP. National trends in clinical and pathologic staging for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Implications for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Urol Oncol. 2021 Dec;39(12):832.e9-832.e15. PubMed PMID: 33820697
  • Kukreja JB, Li R, Narayan VM, Lim A, Seif M, Wang X, Kamat A, Dinney C, Navai N. Oncologic Equipoise Between Robotic and Open Radical Cystectomy. J Endourol. 2021 Aug;35(8):1168-1176. PubMed PMID: 33619985
  • Rodriguez-Homs M, Baack Kukreja J. Bladder cancer biomarkers: Past and future directions. BJUI Compass. 2021 Jan;2(1):7-8. PubMed PMID: 35474658
  • Kukreja JB, Seif MA, Mery MW, Incalcaterra JR, Kamat AM, Dinney CP, Shah JB, Feeley TW, Navai N. Utilizing time-driven activity-based costing to determine open radical cystectomy and ileal conduit surgical episode cost drivers. Urol Oncol. 2021 Apr;39(4):237.e1-237.e5. PubMed PMID: 33308972
  • Reichard CA, Kukreja J, Gregg JR, Bathala TK, Achim MF, Wang X, Davis JW, Nguyen QN, Chapin BF. Prediction of Organ-confined Disease in High- and Very-high-risk Prostate Cancer Patients Staged with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Implications for Clinical Trial Design. Eur Urol Focus. 2021 Jan;7(1):71-77. PubMed PMID: 31076357
  • Reichard CA, Kukreja J, Gregg JR, Bathala TK, Achim MF, Wang X, Davis JW, Nguyen QN, Chapin BF. Prediction of Organ-confined Disease in High- and Very-high-risk Prostate Cancer Patients Staged with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Implications for Clinical Trial Design. Eur Urol Focus. 2021 Jan;7(1):71-77. PubMed PMID: 31076357
  • Kukreja JB, Seif MA, Mery MW, Incalcaterra JR, Kamat AM, Dinney CP, Shah JB, Feeley TW, Navai N. Utilizing time-driven activity-based costing to determine open radical cystectomy and ileal conduit surgical episode cost drivers. Urol Oncol. 2021 Apr;39(4):237.e1-237.e5. PubMed PMID: 33308972
  • Rodrigues Pessoa R, Mueller AC, Boxley P, Flaig TW, Piper C, Konety B, Yu JB, Gershman B, Kukreja J, Kim SP. Systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation therapy for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Urol Oncol. 2021 Nov;39(11):786.e1-786.e8. PubMed PMID: 33846085
  • Rodrigues Pessoa R, Morrison JC, Konety B, Gershman B, Maroni P, Kukreja JB, Cost N, Flaig T, Kessler E, Sharma P, Kim SP. National trends in clinical and pathologic staging for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Implications for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Urol Oncol. 2021 Dec;39(12):832.e9-832.e15. PubMed PMID: 33820697
  • Pessoa RR, Maroni P, Kukreja J, Kim SP. Comparative effectiveness of robotic and open radical prostatectomy. Transl Androl Urol. 2021 May;10(5):2158-2170. PubMed PMID: 34159098
  • Kukreja JB, Schroeck FR, Lotan Y, Gore JL, Ullman R, Lipman RR, Murray MBB, Chisolm S, Smith AB. Discomfort and relieving factors among patients with bladder cancer undergoing office-based cystoscopy. Urol Oncol. 2021 Jun 20. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34162499
  • Baack Kukreja J, Bathala TK, Reichard CA, Troncoso P, Delacroix S, Davies B, Eggener S, Smaldone M, Minhaj Siddiqui M, Tollefson M, Chapin BF. Impact of preoperative prostate magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical management of high-risk prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2020 Mar;23(1):172-178. PubMed PMID: 31501508
  • Pessoa R, Navai N, Kukreja JB. EDITORIAL COMMENT. Urology. 2020 Jan;135:64-65. PubMed PMID: 31895682
  • Narayan VM, Seif MA, Lim AH, Li R, Matulay JT, Kukreja JB, Qiao W, Hwang H, Shah JB, Pisters L, Kamat AM, Dinney C, Navai N. Radical cystectomy in women: Impact of the robot-assisted versus open approach on surgical outcomes. Urol Oncol. 2020 Apr;38(4):247-254. PubMed PMID: 31953001
  • Kukreja JB, Metcalfe MJ, Qiao W, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N. Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy Using a Propensity-matched Cohort. Eur Urol Focus. 2020 Jan 15;6(1):88-94. PubMed PMID: 30033071
  • Pessoa R, Navai N, Kukreja JB. EDITORIAL COMMENT. Urology. 2020 Jan;135:64-65. PubMed PMID: 31895682
  • Kukreja JB, Seif MA, Mery MW, Incalcaterra JR, Kamat AM, Dinney CP, Shah JB, Feeley TW, Navai N. Utilizing time-driven activity-based costing to determine open radical cystectomy and ileal conduit surgical episode cost drivers. Urol Oncol. 2020 Dec 8. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33308972
  • Kessler ER, Kukreja JB, Geiger CL, Fischer SM. Treating Elderly Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2020 Jun;18(6):783-790. PubMed PMID: 32502977
  • Narayan VM, Seif MA, Lim AH, Li R, Matulay JT, Kukreja JB, Qiao W, Hwang H, Shah JB, Pisters L, Kamat AM, Dinney C, Navai N. Radical cystectomy in women: Impact of the robot-assisted versus open approach on surgical outcomes. Urol Oncol. 2020 Apr;38(4):247-254. PubMed PMID: 31953001
  • Pessoa R, Navai N, Kukreja JB. EDITORIAL COMMENT. Urology. 2020 Jan;135:64-65. PubMed PMID: 31895682
  • Baack Kukreja J, Bathala TK, Reichard CA, Troncoso P, Delacroix S, Davies B, Eggener S, Smaldone M, Minhaj Siddiqui M, Tollefson M, Chapin BF. Impact of preoperative prostate magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical management of high-risk prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2020 Mar;23(1):172-178. PubMed PMID: 31501508
  • Kukreja JB, Metcalfe MJ, Qiao W, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N. Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy Using a Propensity-matched Cohort. Eur Urol Focus. 2020 Jan 15;6(1):88-94. PubMed PMID: 30033071
  • AUA Core Curriculum on Urethral Cancer
  • Rodriguez-Homs M, Baack Kukreja J. Biomarkers cancer biomarkers, past and future directions. Jan 2021. BJUI Compass. https://doi.org/10.1002/bco2.61.
  • Pessoa-Rodriguez R, Boxley P, Kukreja J. Comparative effectiveness of Robotic and Open Radical Cystectomy. American Medical J. 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/amj-20-81
  • Urkmez A, Pessoa-Rodriguez R, Kukreja N, Kukreja JEB. Enhanced Recovery after Surgery and Urology applications in 2020. Accepted to BJUI Compass. Open access 2020. DOI: 10.1002/bco2.9
  • Truong M, Baack Kukreja JE, Rais-Bahrami S, Barashi NS, Wang B, Nuffer Z, Park JH, Lam K, Frye TP, Nix JW, Thomas JV, Feng C, Chapin BF, Davis JW, Hollenberg G, Oto A, Eggener SE, Joseph JV, Weinberg E, Messing EM. Multi-institutional Clinical Tool for Predicting High-risk Lesions on 3Tesla Multiparametric Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Eur Urol Oncol. 2019 May;2(3):257-264. PubMed PMID: 31200839
  • Pessoa RR, Kukreja J. Editorial Comment. J Urol. 2019 Dec;202(6):1253. PubMed PMID: 31469612
  • Li R, Kukreja JEB, Seif MA, Petros FG, Campbell MT, Nguyen JV, González GMN, Kamat AM, Pisters LL, Dinney CP, Navai N. The role of metastatic burden in cytoreductive/consolidative radical cystectomy. World J Urol. 2019 Dec;37(12):2691-2698. PubMed PMID: 30864005
  • Baack Kukreja JE, Lloyd G.L. Robotically Assisted Radical Cystectomy. In: Best S., Nakada S. (eds) Minimally Invasive Urology. Springer, New York, NY, 2019.
  • Baack Kukreja J. Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Urologic Surgery. AUA Update Series.
  • Baack Kukreja J, Seif MA, Lozano M, Wang X, Hwang H, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N. Preoperative immunonutrition in patients treated with radical cystecotmy, results from a phase 1, “Oral Immunonutrition to Enhance Recovery after Surgery” feasibility trial. AUA, Chicago, IL May 2019. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Navai N, Li J, Meng Q, Seif MA, Hwang H, Kamat AM, Westney OL, Dinney CPN. Testosterone levels and perioperative outcomes in patients treated with radical cystectomy, results from the “Oral Immunonutrition to Enhance Recovery after Surgery” trial. AUA, Chicago, IL May 2019. Podium presentation. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Seif MA, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N. Surgical Quality of Radical Cystectomy. GU ASCO, San Francisco, CA February 2019. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Reichard CA, Baack Kukreja J, Gregg JR, Bathala TK, Achim MF, Wang X, Davis JW, Nguyen QN, Chapin BF. Prediction of Organ-confined Disease in High- and Very-high-risk Prostate Cancer Patients Staged with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Implications for Clinical Trial Design. Eur Urol Focus. May 2019;S2405-4569(19)30132-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 31076357
  • Li R, Kukreja JEB, Seif MA, Petros FG, Campbell MT, Nguyen JV, Conzalez GMN, Kamat AM, Pisters LL, Dinney CP, Navai N. The role of metastatic burden in cytoreductive/consolidative radical cystectomy. World J Urol Mar 2019. PMID: 30864005.
  • Kukreja JB, Thompson IM Jr, Chapin BF. Organizing a clinical trial for the new investigator. Urol Oncol. 2019 May;37(5):336-339. PMID 2939593.
  • Baack Kukreja J, Seif MA, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N. Surgical Quality of Radical Cystectomy. IBCN, Rotterdam, Amsterdam Oct 2018. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Bathala TK, Reichard CA, Troncoso P, Delacroix S, Davies B, Smaldone M, Siddiqui MM, Tollefson M, Chapin BF. Impact of Preoperative Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging on the Surgical Management of High Risk Prostate Cancer. SCSAUA, Nashville, TN Sept 2018. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Jaber YM, Reichard CA, Achim MF, Davis JW, Chapin BF. Do Socioeconomic Factors Predict Clinical Trial Enrolment for Neoadjuvant Treatment in High Risk Prostate Cancer Trials Prior to Prostatectomy? A Propensity Matched Analysis. SCSAUA, Nasheville, TN Sept 2018. Podium Presentation. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Mery MW, Incalcaterra JR, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N, Shah JB, Feeley TW. Drivers of Cost for an Episode of Care in Radical Cystectomy. AUA, San Francisco, CA May 2018. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Truong M, Baack Kukreja J, Nuffer Z, Barashi NS, Wang B, Park JH, Lam K, Feng C, Frye TP, Rais-Bahrami S, Nix JW, Thomas JV, Chapin BF, Davis JW, Eggener SE, Joseph JV, Hollenberg G, Weinberg E, Messing EM. Multi-institutional Machine Learning Tool for Predicting High Risk Lesions on 3 Tesla Multiparametric Prostate MRI. AUA, San Francisco, CA May 2018. (presented by Truong)
  • Berrondo C, Feng C, Kukreja JB, Messing EM, Joseph JV. Antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of catheter removal after radical prostatectomy: A prospective randomized clinical trial. Urol Oncol. 2018 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30558984
  • Joseph JV, Brasacchio R, Fung C, Reeder J, Bylund K, Sahasrabudhe D, Yeh SY, Ghazi A, Fultz P, Rubens D, Wu G, Singer E, Schwarz E, Mohile S, Mohler J, Theodorescu D, Lee YF, Okunieff P, McConkey D, Rashid H, Chang C, Fradet Y, Guru K, Kukreja J, Sufrin G, Lotan Y, Bailey H, Noyes K, Schwartz S, Rideout K, Bratslavsky G, Campbell SC, Derweesh I, Abrahamsson PA, Soloway M, Gomella L, Golijanin D, Svatek R, Frye T, Lerner S, Palapattu G, Wilding G, Droller M, Trump D. A Festschrift in Honor of Edward M. Messing, MD, FACS. Bladder Cancer. 2018 Oct 3;4(Suppl 1):S1-S43. PubMed PMID: 30443561
  • Kukreja JB, Metcalfe MJ, Qiao W, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N. Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy Using a Propensity-matched Cohort. Eur Urol Focus. 2018 Jul 19. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30033071
  • Kukreja JB, Shi Q, Chang CM, Seif MA, Sterling BM, Chen TY, Creel KM, Kamat AM, Dinney CP, Navai N, Shah JB, Wang XS. Patient-Reported Outcomes Are Associated With Enhanced Recovery Status in Patients With Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy. Surg Innov. 2018 Jun;25(3):242-250. PubMed PMID: 29557251
  • Kukreja JEB. Perioperative venous thromboembolism in urologic oncology procedures, risk factors, and prevention. Curr Opin Urol. 2018 May;28(3):227-232. PubMed PMID: 29465471
  • Li R, Metcalfe M, Kukreja J, Navai N. Role of Radical Cystectomy in Non-Organ Confined Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review. Bladder Cancer. 2018 Jan 20;4(1):31-40. PubMed PMID: 29430505
  • Kukreja JB, Thompson IM Jr, Chapin BF. Organizing a clinical trial for the new investigator. Urol Oncol. 2018 Feb 1. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 29395953
  • Li R, Baack Kukreja JE, Kamat AM. Secondary Tumors After Urinary Diversion. Urol Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;45(1):91-99. PubMed PMID: 29169454
  • Kukreja JB, Porten S, Golla V, Ho PL, Noguera-Gonzalez G, Navai N, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Shah JB. Absence of Tumor on Repeat Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor Does Not Predict Final Pathologic T0 Stage in Bladder Cancer Treated with Radical Cystectomy. Eur Urol Focus. 2018 Sep;4(5):720-724. PubMed PMID: 28753837
  • Reichard CA, Bathala T, Gregg J, Kukreja J, Achim M, Davis JW, Chapin BF. CT Scan Has High Rate of Incidental Findings and Low Clinical Utility in A Cohort of High Risk Prostate Cancer Patients Staged With 99mtc Bone Scan and Pelvic MR. Society of Urologic Oncology Meeting, Washington DC November 2017. (presented by Reichard)
  • Truong M, Baack Kukreja J, Rais-Bahrami S, Barashi N, Wang B, Nuffer Z, Park JH, Lam K, Frye T, Nix J, Thomas J, Feng C, Chapin BF, Davis JW, Hollenberg G, Oto A, Eggener S, Joseph J, Weinberg E, Messing E. Multi-Institutional Development of A Pretest Probability Calculator for High Risk Lesions on Multiparametric Prostate MRI. Society of Urologic Oncology Meeting, Washington DC November 2017. (presented by Truong)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Metcalfe MJ, Qiao W, Nguyen JV, Sundi D, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Navai N. Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy Using a Propensity Matched Cohort. International Bladder Cancer Network Annual Meeting, Lisbon, Portugal November 2017. (presented by Navai)
  • Berrondo C, Changyong F, Kukreja J, Messing EM, Joseph JV. Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to urinary catheter removal after radical prostatectomy does not prevent urinary tract infections: A randomized controlled clinical trial. AUA Annual Meeting, Boston, MA May 2017. (presented by Berrondo)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Ismaeel N, Navai N, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Shah JB. Outcomes and survival in non-Bilharzial pure squamous cell bladder cancer in patients undergoing curative radical cystectomy. GU-ASCO Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL Feb 2017. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Podolnick J, Wang X, Chen HS, Navai N, Kamat AM, Dinney CPN, Shah JB. Pre-surgery neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is significantly associated with survival outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy, regardless of neoadjuvant chemotherapy status. GU-ASCO Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL Feb 2017. (presented by Baack Kukreja)
  • Baack Kukreja J, Kamat AM. Strategies to minimize readmission rates following major urologic surgery. Ther Adv Urol. 2017 Oct;9(5):111-119. PubMed PMID: 28588648
  • Truong M, Liang L, Kukreja J, O'Brien J, Jean-Gilles J, Messing E. Cautery artifact understages urothelial cancer at initial transurethral resection of large bladder tumours. Can Urol Assoc J. 2017 May;11(5):E203-E206. PubMed PMID: 28503235
  • Baack Kukreja JE, Kiernan M, Schempp B, Siebert A, Hontar A, Nelson B, Dolan J, Noyes K, Dozier A, Ghazi A, Rashid HH, Wu G, Messing EM. Quality Improvement in Cystectomy Care with Enhanced Recovery (QUICCER) study. BJU Int. 2017 Jan;119(1):38-49. PubMed PMID: 27128851
  • Broughton BL, Baron B, Kiernan M, Baack-Kukreja J, LaFaro VE, Larmon R, Rust K, Schempp BA, Yovanovich J. Cystectomy-Enhanced Recovery Program: Nursing Implications. Urol Nurs. 2017 Jan-Feb;37(1):9-14. PubMed PMID: 29240359
  • Kukreja JB, Shah JB. Advances in surgical management of muscle invasive bladder cancer. Indian J Urol. 2017 Apr-Jun;33(2):106-110. PubMed PMID: 28469297
  • Li R, Petros FG, Kukreja JB, Williams SB, Davis JW. Current technique and results for extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Investig Clin Urol. 2016 Dec;57(Suppl 2):S155-S164. PubMed PMID: 27995219
  • Noyes K, Baack-Kukreja J, Messing EM, Schoeniger L, Galka E, Pan W, Xueya C, Fleming FJ, Monson JR, Mohile SG, Francone T. Surgical readmissions: results of integrating pre-, peri- and postsurgical care. Nurs Open. 2016 Jul;3(3):168-178. PubMed PMID: 27708827
  • Baack Kukreja JE, Messing EM, Shah JB. Are we doing "better"? The discrepancy between perception and practice of enhanced recovery after cystectomy principles among urologic oncologists. Urol Oncol. 2016 Mar;34(3):120.e17-21. PubMed PMID: 26585947
  • Danna BJ, Wood EL, Baack Kukreja JE, Shah JB. The Future of Enhanced Recovery for Radical Cystectomy: Current Evidence, Barriers to Adoption, and the Next Steps. Urology. 2016 Oct;96:62-68. PubMed PMID: 27164287
  • Kukreja JB, Messing EM. Editorial Comment. Urology. 2015 Nov;86(5):972-3. PubMed PMID: 26414727
  • Kukreja JE, Levey HR, Scosyrev E, Kiernan M, Berrondo C, McNamee C, Wu G, Joseph JV, Ghazi A, Rashid H, Dozier A, Messing EM. Effectiveness and safety of extended-duration prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in major urologic oncology surgery. Urol Oncol. 2015 Sep;33(9):387.e7-16. PubMed PMID: 25637953
  • Baack Kukreja JE, Scosyrev E, Brasacchio RA, Toy EP, Messing EM, Wu G. Bladder cancer incidence and mortality in patients treated with radiation for uterine cancer. BJU Int. 2014 Dec;114(6):844-51. PubMed PMID: 26010047
  • Lee EK, Baack J, Duchene DA. Survey of practicing urologists: robotic versus open radical prostatectomy. Can J Urol. 2010 Apr;17(2):5094-8. PubMed PMID: 20398448
  • Lee EK, Baack J, Penn H, Bromfield CT, Duchene DA, Thrasher JB, Holzbeierlein JM. Active surveillance for prostate cancer in a veteran population. Can J Urol. 2010 Dec;17(6):5429-35. PubMed PMID: 21172105
View All (86 Total) View Less

Professional Memberships

  • American College of Surgeons, Member
  • International Bladder Cancer Network, Member
  • American Urologic Association, Member
  • Society of Urologic Oncology, Member
  • Southwestern Oncology Group (SWOG), Investigator
  • Rocky Mountain Urologic Society, Member
  • Society of Women in Urology, Member
  • Institute for healthcare, quality, safety and efficiency, Faculty
  • South Centeral Section of the AUA, Member

Practice Locations

UCHealth Tony Grampsas Urologic Cancer Care Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus
1665 Aurora Ct
1st Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-0170

Hospital Affiliation
  • University of Colorado Hospital
  • Denver Health Medical Center
  • UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital

Center Affiliations

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Urology, Board Certification (2020, 2020)
  • Urologic Oncology, Board Certification
  • Urologic Oncology, Certificate (2018)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Cancers - Bladder Cancer
  • Cancers
  • Cancers - Cancer Surgery
  • Cancers - Chemotherapy
  • Cancers - Kidney Cancer
  • Cancers - Prostate Cancer
  • Cancers - Testicular Cancer
  • Cancers - Urologic Cancer
  • Surgery
  • Surgery - Robotic Surgery
  • Surgery - Urologic Surgery
  • Failed Prior Surgery
  • Kidneys and Urinary System
  • Kidneys and Urinary System - Bladder Disease
Clinical Interests
Dr. Janet Kukreja is a urologic oncologist and nationally recognized bladder cancer expert specializing in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive, BCG-unresponsive, muscle-invasive, recurrent, and complex bladder cancer. Her clinical and research focus includes robotic radical cystectomy, bladder preservation, urinary diversion and neobladder reconstruction, novel bladder cancer therapies, and clinical trials. She welcomes patients seeking bladder cancer second opinions from across the United States and works within a multidisciplinary team to provide individualized treatment options across all stages of bladder cancer. Dr. Kukreja is a high-volume robotic cystectomy surgeon, having performed more than 800 robotic radical cystectomies and 300 robotic neobladders, and currently performs approximately 150 robot-assisted radical cystectomies annually. She specializes in intracorporeal urinary diversion and offers the full spectrum of urinary reconstruction after bladder removal, including orthotopic neobladder, ileal conduit, and Indiana pouch (continent cutaneous urinary diversion). When appropriate, neobladder and ileal conduit reconstruction are performed robotically inside the body. She works closely with each patient to select the urinary diversion that best balances cancer treatment, urinary function, quality of life, and individual goals. Dr. Kukreja also has a special clinical and research interest in perioperative optimization, enhanced recovery, reducing surgical complications, and improving quality of life after major urologic cancer surgery. In addition to bladder cancer surgery, she performs complex robotic and minimally invasive urologic oncology procedures, including radical prostatectomy, radical and partial nephrectomy/nephron-sparing surgery, adrenalectomy, nephroureterectomy and partial ureterectomy, and inguinal lymph node dissection.

Care Philosophy
We welcome patients seeking bladder cancer care and second opinions from Colorado and across the country. Bladder Cancer Second Opinions: 720-848-0170 Referrals Fax: 720-848-0180 Dr. Janet Kukreja is the Director of Urologic Oncology and a bladder cancer surgeon specializing in complex bladder cancer care, robotic radical cystectomy, neobladder reconstruction, and urinary diversion. She believes every patient deserves an individualized treatment plan developed through shared decision-making and a multidisciplinary approach. Her goal is to combine advanced surgical techniques with the latest bladder cancer treatments and clinical evidence while recognizing each patient's individual goals, priorities, and quality of life. High-Volume Robotic Cystectomy and Neobladder Experience Dr. Kukreja is a high-volume robotic bladder cancer and cystectomy surgeon who has performed more than 1,500 robotic surgeries, including more than 800 robotic radical cystectomies and 300 robotic neobladders. She currently performs approximately 150 robot-assisted radical cystectomies each year. For patients requiring bladder removal, Dr. Kukreja specializes in robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion, meaning the urinary reconstruction—including ileal conduit or neobladder—is performed entirely inside the body using the robotic approach, without requiring a larger incision to construct the diversion. Dr. Kukreja believes that experience matters in complex cancer surgery. Her practice is focused on providing patients with bladder cancer access to high-volume surgical expertise while helping each patient understand their options for bladder cancer treatment, radical cystectomy, neobladder, urinary diversion, and bladder preservation. She welcomes patients seeking bladder cancer second opinions, including those traveling from outside Colorado. Why Patients Seek a Bladder Cancer Second Opinion with Dr. Kukreja Patients from Colorado and across the United States seek consultation with Dr. Kukreja for newly diagnosed, recurrent, and complex bladder cancer, as well as for a second opinion before making major treatment decisions. Her approach combines high-volume surgical experience with expertise across the evolving spectrum of bladder cancer treatment. Patients may seek a second opinion with Dr. Kukreja for: -High-volume robotic radical cystectomy expertise, with more than 800 robotic cystectomies performed and approximately 150 performed annually. -Extensive neobladder and urinary diversion experience, including more than 300 robotic neobladders and intracorporeal urinary diversion. -Bladder-preserving treatment options for appropriately selected patients who may have alternatives to bladder removal. -Non-muscle-invasive and BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer, including newer bladder-preserving therapies and determining when radical cystectomy is appropriate. -Muscle-invasive and complex bladder cancer, including multidisciplinary evaluation and individualized treatment planning. -Access to bladder cancer clinical trials. Our program offers numerous clinical trials across the spectrum of bladder cancer, including non-muscle-invasive, BCG-unresponsive, muscle-invasive, and advanced bladder cancer, providing patients access to emerging treatments and novel approaches when appropriate. -Urinary diversion decision-making, helping patients understand the advantages, disadvantages, and quality-of-life considerations of neobladder and ileal conduit reconstruction. -National bladder cancer second opinions, including evaluation of patients who travel to Colorado for specialized bladder cancer care. The goal of a second opinion is not simply to recommend a procedure, but to ensure that each patient understands the full range of appropriate options—including surgery, bladder preservation, systemic therapy, clinical trials, and emerging treatments—and can make a treatment decision that balances cancer control, surgical outcomes, quality of life, and personal priorities.

Personal Interests
I am very passionate about all urologic cancers, specifically bladder cancer. I have a particular interest in perioperative care for all cancer patients.

Public Speaking
Yes
I speak often about bladder cancer, surgery for bladder cancer and perioperative care for bladder cancer.