Urogynecology Services

Urogynecologists are obstetricians/gynecologists with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting women’s lower urinary tract and pelvic floor. This includes the bladder, rectum, uterus and vagina, as well as the muscles, connective tissue and nerves that support these organs. Urogynecologists focus on the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of a wide range of noncancerous gynecologic problems, including:

• Urinary incontinence. The involuntary loss of urine sufficient enough to be a problem
• Pelvic organ prolapse. The descent of female pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum) into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic muscles
• Overactive bladder. Frequent, sudden need to urinate, inability to postpone the need to urinate, or uncontrolled urine leakage associated with a strong urge to urinate
• Voiding dysfunction. Problems urinating including hesitancy, a poor stream, stop- start voiding, straining to void, and incomplete emptying that leads to revoiding
• Fecal incontinence. Inability to control bowel movements or gas
• Constipation
• Pelvic or bladder pain. Discomfort, burning or other uncomfortable sensations affecting the bladder or urethra
• Recurrent urinary tract infection
• Sexual dysfunction
• Interstitial cystitis. A condition that results in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region
• Bladder disorders associated with spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions
• Urological problems during pregnancy

Select a urogynecologist »

Diagnosis

The primary goal of our urogynecologists is to have a thorough understanding of a patient’s condition and work with her to design a treatment plan that is compatible with her lifestyle and personal preferences. In addition to other screenings, modern fluoro-video-urodynamic testing is used to determine the precise causes of blocked urine flow or leakage.
 
Multidisciplinary treatment

Our urogynecologists take a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment, collaborating with specialists in colorectal surgery, urology, gastroenterology and radiology as needed. They also work closely with specially trained physical therapists, nurses and technicians. Together, they provide comprehensive care utilizing the latest technology to cure or relieve symptoms of prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, and other pelvic floor dysfunction.

Patients experiencing these types of problems can count on the experience of the urogynecology team to expertly treat their ailment using the latest in technology and clinical developments. Options include nonsurgical treatment, as well as minimally invasive surgical interventions. Among these treatments are:

• Medication. Includes several possible pharmaceutical approaches for symptom control.
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation. Includes working with specially trained physical therapists to improve the strength and function of pelvic muscles.
• Biofeedback. A method utilizing specialized equipment that allows patients to document their progress while practicing certain therapies.
• Pessary. A soft, silicone device similar to a diaphragm that is placed in the vagina to reduce prolapse and/or treat incontinence without surgery.
• Office-based procedures. Included are the use of collagen and Botox® injections, as well as radiofrequency energy to promote continence and reduce or eliminate urinary incontinence.
• Electronic stimulation. Interstim therapy uses a device similar to a pacemaker, which is implanted in the sacral nerve to restore normal bladder and bowel function in some women with urge incontinence, urinary retention and fecal incontinence.
• Surgery. Includes minimally invasive techniques using the latest technological advances for the treatment of incontinence and prolapse. These techniques include vaginal, laparoscopic and robotically assisted procedures.
• Minimally invasive hysterectomy. When less invasive treatments cannot correct the condition, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be the only option. Our urogynecologists are among only a few in the nation who offer minimally invasive hysterectomies. The daVinci Surgical System--a robotic device that enhances surgeons’ precision during laparoscopic procedures, is sometimes used during surgery.

More »