Combining a routine surgery to alleviate incontinence with one to correct vaginal prolapse can reduce the risk of incontinence, a frequent consequence of prolapse surgery, according to a study in the April 13 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine by UAB urogynecologist Holly E. Richter, PhD, MD, and others. Yearly, almost 200,000 women are operated on for pelvic prolapse, which occurs when connective tissues holding the pelvic organs weaken, allowing the organs to protrude into the vagina. Ordinarily, surgeons perform one surgery to correct prolapse, and a second one only if incontinence develops. But because incontinence develops in nearly one third of cases following prolapse surgery, “this points to the need for more thoughtful preoperative evaluation and improved treatment,” Richter said. Contact Tracy Bischoff, Media Relations, 205-934-8935 or tracy@uab.edu.
Physician's Online Resource Center
