What is a vaginal pessary?A vaginal pessary is a device which can be inserted in the vagina to control prolapse. It is made of latex, silicone or vinyl. Why do I need a vaginal pessary?Vaginal pessaries usually control the problems associated with prolapse of the vagina and / or uterus. This option avoids surgery and is especially suitable for patients …
Read moreUrodynamic tests
21st October 2016What are urodynamic tests?Urodynamic tests assess the dynamic function of the lower urinary tract. The tests assess 3 functions; The ability of the bladder to stretch without alarming you to feel the need to go the toilet. A normal bladder should accommodate almost half a litre and give enough warning before you need to go to the toilet. With an …
Read moreSuprapubic catheter
21st October 2016What is a suprapubic catheter?A suprapubic catheter is a plastic tube that is passed through the lower part of the abdomen (tummy) into the bladder to drain urine outside. Why do I need a suprapubic catheter?This is required to drain the bladder when passing a catheter through the urethra is either unacceptable or unsuitable. This can be for a short …
Read moresacrohysteropexy
21st October 2016What is sacrohysteropexy?This is an operation carried out to correct uterine prolapse, in patients who do not wish to have hysterectomy. This is done by attaching the back of the cervix (neck of the womb) to the top of the lower back bone (sacrum). Traditionally, mesh was used for this attachment. Although this use was never paused, during the mesh …
Read moreStress incontinence of urine
21st October 2016What is stress incontinence of urine?Stress incontinence of urine is involuntary leakage of small drops of urine on coughing, sneezing, exercise or movement. The condition can cause considerable distress to patients and an affect their quality of life. The fear of having to go to the toilet quickly makes patients look out for toilets all the time. This limits activity …
Read moreSacrocolpopexy
21st October 2016What is sacrocolpopexy?This is an operation carried out to correct prolapse of the vaginal vault in patients who had a hysterectomy. The operation can be carried out under general or spinal anaesthesia. Traditionally, mesh was used for this attachment. Although this use was never paused, during the mesh and tape pause that started in 2017, the concern about the use …
Read morePercutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
21st October 2016What is Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation?Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is an outpatient procedure done to improve overactive bladder. This condition makes patients feel they need to go to the toilet quickly. Patients may leak if they do not reach the toilet fast enough. Consequently, they go to the toilet a lot both by day and night. Sometimes people feel they …
Read morePelvic organ prolapse
21st October 2016What is pelvic organ prolapse?Pelvic organ prolapse means slipping down of the vagina and / or uterus. Prolapse (slipping down) can affect the front and / or back walls of the vagina and / or the uterus or the vaginal vault (top of the front passage after removal of the uterus). Prolapsed bladder and prolapsed rectum Uterine prolapse What causes …
Read morePelvic floor repair with or without vaginal hysterectomy and/or Sacrospinous Fixation
21st October 2016What are these operations?Surgery for prolapse of the vaginal wall. The repair may include: Anterior repair, to correct prolapse of the bladder. Posterior repair, to correct prolapse of the rectum. Anterior repair Posterior repair Surgery for prolapse of the uterus. There is a choice between removal of the uterus (vaginal hysterectomy) and supporting it (sacrospinous hysteropexy). This can be managed …
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