|
|
Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis
 The potential disorders associated with your urogynecologic health are indeed special. If you're dealing with persistent or chronic pain, problems controlling your bladder or sensations of internal pressure (or any similar difficulty), there may be more than one cause. Often, one problem can be related to another. And in some cases, the root cause may not be readily apparent. At Southeast Urogynecology we couple our experience with state-of-the-art technology in order to provide the most advanced diagnostics for better understanding the nature and condition of your problems. By utilizing key diagnostic tests we can work with you to determine the best course of treatment and/or the potential benefits of surgery.
Urodynamics
Southeast Urogynecology is a leader in the field of complex urodynamic testing and interpretations. A typical urodynamic study consists of a series of tests designed to thoroughly evaluate bladder and urethral function. In order to understand every detail of your bladder problem, these tests record very precise scientific data on your bladder's ability to store and empty urine. These studies are conducted to evaluate leaking urine, difficulty emptying the bladder, frequent urination, recurrent infections, blood in the urine and loss of bladder support.
Southeast Urogynecology is also a founding member of Bladder Health Network, an independent company focused on improving the care and treatment of women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary incontinence (UI) by expanding accessibility of complex urodynamic technology to medical professionals throughout the United States . Click here to learn more about Bladder Health Network http://www.bladderhealthnetwork.com .
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is a diagnostic procedure we use to directly examine the urinary tract, particularly the bladder and urethra. Cystoscopy can assist in identifying problems with the urinary tract, such as early signs of cancer, infection, strictures (narrowing), obstruction, and bleeding.
A long, flexible, lighted tube, called a cystoscope, is inserted into the urethra and advanced into the bladder. In addition to allowing visualization of the internal urethra and bladder, the cystoscope enables the physician to irrigate, suction, inject air, and access these structures with surgical instruments. During a cystoscopy, the physician may remove tissue for further examination and possibly treat any problems may be detected.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging.
Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the kidneys, bladder, and bowel tract. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs. Anal ultrasound examines the muscles in the anal area, looking for abnormalities such as defects in the muscles, such as an injury caused by delivery of a baby.
Comprehensive treatment options for your specific problems
Drs. Harris and Speights are specially trained and skilled in today's most advanced treatment options and surgical techniques. But we know that surgery isn't always the best option. In fact, it can be a poor choice for certain problems and for some women due to their age or health history. For others, surgery is the best option available. At Southeast UroGynecology we always look to the best solution, not the quickest one. And we know the difference. Here are some of the non-surgical and surgical treatments we use to help you get back to good health:
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) Sling - A special type of suburethral sling that requires a less invasive procedure, which allows it to be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
Burch Retropubic Urethropexy - Procedure done through an abdominal incision or through a laparoscope to re-support the bladder base and urethra by placing sutures in the vagina to attach it to a ligament under the pubic bone.
Suburethral Sling - This procedure involves placing a “strap” of material under the urethra to support it and prevent stress incontinence. The sling material can be synthetic or natural. The natural material can be taken from your own body or from cadavers.
Periurethral Injections - This procedure involves an injection of material next to the opening of the bladder in an effort to prevent stress incontinence. This procedure is performed in the office.
Neuromodulation (Interstim) - This is a newer approach in the treatment of overactive bladder, urinary retention and urinary frequency. Electrodes are surgically inserted into the nerves that control the bladder.
Anterior Colporrhaphy - This is a vaginal procedure to reestablish the supports between the bladder and vagina in order to repair a cystocele. A synthetic mesh or organic graft material may be placed to reinforce this repair.
Paravaginal Repair (Vaginal and Abdominal Options) - This procedure is designed to support the vaginal wall by attaching it to the pelvic sidewall to repair a cystocele. A synthetic mesh or organic graft material made be placed to reinforce this repair.
Posterior Colporrhaphy - This is a vaginal procedure to reestablish the supports between the vagina and rectum to repair a rectocele. A synthetic mesh or organic graft material made be placed to reinforce this repair.
Enterocele Repair - This procedure is designed to close the space of the top of the vagina through a vaginal or abdominal incision to prevent small intestine from pushing the vagina out.
Sacral Colpopexy - A procedure (performed abdominally or laparoscopically) that attaches the top of the prolapsed vagina to the sacrum using either synthetic mesh or cadaveric material.
Vaginal Vault Suspension - A vaginal procedure that attaches the top of the prolapsed vagina to ligaments in the pelvis.
Ulterosacral Ligament Suspecsion - This procedure will suspend the top of the vagina to the uteroscral ligaments. This can be performed vaginally, abdominally or laparoscopically.
Total Colpectomy & Colpocleisis - This procedure involves the complete closure of the vagina to correct prolapse. This procedure is only performed when the patient is ABSOLUTELY sure that she will never want to have intercourse again.
Overlapping Anal Sphincteroplasty - This procedure will re-attach divided muscle edges around the anus to correct fecal incontinence.
Advanced Hysterectomy Options - Southeast Urogynecology offers a variety of hysterectomy options to accommodate your special needs and lifestyle. Below are several common types of hysterectomy procedures we perform on a regular basis:
- Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - This procedure involves the removal of the uterus (including the cervix) through an abdominal incision.
- Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy - This procedure involved the removal of the uterus (including the cervix) and possibly the tubes and ovaries through a laparoscopic approach.
- Total Vaginal Hysterectomy - This procedure involves the removal of the uterus (including the cervix), tubes and ovaries through a vaginal incision.
- Supracervical Hysterectomy - This procedure involves the removal of most of the uterus - leaving the cervix behind. This approach can be done abdominally or laparoscopically.
|
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Pelvic Muscle Exercises (PME) - Also known as Kegel exercises, PME techniques are an effective treatment option for urinary incontinence and to strengthen pelvic organs. They are especially important after surgery to maintain strength and optimize outcomes, and are very useful in prolapse prevention. Most women require guidance from a medical professional to learn how to contract the pelvic floor muscles correctly.
Biofeedback - This term refers to a variety of techniques that teach patients bladder and pelvic muscle control by giving positive feedback when the patient performs the desired action. This feedback can be from an electronic device or directly from a health professional.
Bladder Training - This treatment for urge incontinence involves teaching a patient to urinate according to a timetable rather than an urge to do so. Gradually, the scheduled time between trips to the bathroom is increased as the patient's bladder control improves.
The Bladder Diet - This is a list of dietary irritants to the bladder. Avoiding the items on this list may greatly improve certain bladder symptoms as frequency, urgency, or pain.
Medications - There are a number of drugs that are used in the treatment of urge incontinence. Commonly prescribed drugs include Detrol LA, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol patch, Sanctura, Enablex, and Vesicare.
Occlusive Devices - Several types of pessaries are available that are designed specifically for the treatment of stress incontinence. These are especially useful for women who leak urine during specific activities such as exercise. There is also a new device that fits in the urethra and acts like a plug. This device is called FemSoft TM.
Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation (PFES) This involves placement of vaginal or anal probes that deliver electrical current to the pelvic floor in an attempt to treat urge and mixed incontinence.
|
|
