What's New
Columbia Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Program
New Surgical Program Treats Embarrassing Problems
Pelvic floor disorders — bowel and urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapsed pelvic organs — if untreated, can make daily life absolutely miserable.
However, because these conditions are difficult to discuss, even with a physician, many people suffer needlessly, sometimes for years, even though there are effective treatments for these conditions.
Columbia Presbyterian has created a new, comprehensive Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Program to treat these and other colorectal disorders and diseases.
Staffed by specialists in urogynecology, colorectal surgery, physical therapy, colorectal nursing, and psychiatry, the Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Program tailors treatment strategies to meet each individual's needs.
The first step in treating these disorders is obtaining a clear diagnosis, which is accomplished by taking a complete medical history.
Family illnesses, past pregnancies, medications, and other possibly contributing circumstances are all relevant points of information.
Patients can then expect to have a physical exam and additional diagnostic tests, as required.
Recently developed diagnostic tools for pelvic floor dysfunction include manometry, in which a small catheter is placed inside the anus to test muscle pressure and nerve function, and ultrasound probe, to clearly image anal muscles.
Many Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Program staff members are involved in research to further refine diagnostic tools.
The good news about pelvic floor dysfunction is that in many cases, these disorders can be treated by noninvasive methods, including dietary changes and biofeedback techniques.
If surgery is required, new minimally invasive surgical procedures and novel devices such as artificial sphincter implants offer rapid recovery and minimal scarring.
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