Urogynaecology

Urogynaecology is a sub specialty of Gynaecology. It covers services that provide assessment, investigations and treatment for women. A urogynecologist is a doctor who concentrates on diagnosing and treating various conditions of a woman’s pelvic organs plus the surrounding tissues and muscles. They may also perform reconstructive surgery. They treat conditions such as incontinence and prolapse of the pelvic organs.

Common Urogynaecology problems are with respect to pelvic floor and urinary incontinence.

Possible symptoms include the following.
  • An overactive bladder leading to frequent visits to the washroom and leakage before reaching the toilet.
  • Leakage of urine on daily activities like coughing, sneezing and exercises.
  • Losing control over the bladder and feeling a need to urinate (when you otherwise actually wouldn’t want to) with repeated wetting of undergarments.
  • Recurrent or Chronic Urinary Tract Infection
  • Chronic constipation and bowel problems
  • Feeling a bit of pressure, pain in the pelvis
  • Feeling a sense of fullness, heaviness, pricking or pulling in the vagina, which increases by the end of the day
  • Pain during intercourse, decreased sexual desire

On developing any of the above symptoms, there is no need to feel embarrassed or unduly worried as a qualified Urogynaecologist can comfortably and safely address these issues. It’s just about feeling comfortable in discussing the specific symptoms with your doctor.

Urogynaecology Procedures

Based on the complexity of the problem your doctors might recommend a surgery. Urogynaecology surgery procedures differ with different types of complaints presented.

Some of the common surgical procedures performed are;
  • Surgery for Uterovaginal Prolapse: Laparoscopic or open sacrocolpopexy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, Fothergill’s Operation, Cystocele (bladder prolapse) repair, Rectocele (Rectum prolapse) repair, Uterosacral ligament fixation.
  • Surgery for vaginal vault prolapse (Post Hysterectomy): Uterosacral ligament fixation, sacrospinous fixation, McCall’s Culdoplasty.
  • Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Tension free Vaginal tape (TOT and TVT), Autologous fascial slings, Urethral Injections.
  • Surgery for Urge Incontinence and Voiding dysfunction:Botulinum toxin Injections to urethra and bladder, Botulinum Injection to the tender points in the pelvic floor, Buccal Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty.
  • Surgery for Genitourinary fistulas: Transabdominal and Transvaginal repairs, Martius flap interposition, O’Connor VVF repair.
  • Surgery for OASIS: Anal sphincter reconstruction, OASIS repairs.