What is urogynecology?
A urogynecologist evaluates and treats noncancerous pelvic floor disorders that affect the uterus, vagina, bladder, and rectum, as well as their surrounding muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues.
Which conditions do urogynecologists treat?
The urogynecology team at Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center treats an array of pelvic floor conditions, including:
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence occurs when urine leaks involuntarily, typically due to problems with the muscles and nerves that support bladder control.
Fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence is a loss of control of your body’s ability to defecate. This can lead to fecal leakage or uncontrolled defecation.
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when one or more of your pelvic organs, such as the uterus or bladder, drops from its normal position. While some prolapsed organs barely change position, others can drop low enough to protrude through the vaginal opening.
Urethral diverticulum
Urethral diverticulum is a small outward bulge that forms in the urethra. It leaves a pocket for urine to collect and become trapped.
Overactive bladder syndrome
There are many conditions that can lead to an overactive bladder, a condition that causes a frequent, urgent need to urinate.
Which types of urogynecology surgery are available?
Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center has a team of board-certified urogynecologists who perform pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, including laparoscopic, robotic, and vaginal procedures. The most common include:
Laparoscopic surgery
Traditional surgery requires a large incision in the abdomen, which leaves a visible scar. With laparoscopic surgery, the team makes a keyhole sized incision in the abdomen and inserts a very small camera called a laparoscope.
With this camera, the team can repair damage without performing major surgery. When compared to traditional surgery, laparoscopic procedures result in less blood loss, a smaller scar, and a shorter recovery time.
Robotic surgery
Much like laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery allows the team to access your pelvic organs through a keyhole sized incision in the abdomen. However, the surgeon guides the tools with a robot rather than their own hands. This minimally invasive technique provides highly accurate precision and steadiness that traditional surgery cannot.
Vaginal procedures
The team can repair damage in the vagina through procedures that restore the top of the vagina. Many women seek vaginal procedures after a hysterectomy or childbirth.
If you’re ready to see a board-certified gynecologist, call Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center.
