Power Morcellation No Longer Utilized at Austin Urogynecology
December 30, 2014
Several months ago, we posted an update on new recommendations regarding power morcellation used during laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies. Since that time, most of the hospitals where Dr. Shashoua operates have elected to stop carrying all power morcellators. This decision has been made because of concern for the small risk of spreading an undiagnosed uterine sarcoma (a type of cancer). […]
Kegel Exercises / Kegel Maneuvers
August 8, 2014
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can be done to help treat urinary incontinence. To identify the proper muscle to improve muscle control we suggest you insert a finger in the vagina and squeeze your finger. Once you have identified the correct muscle, you can do the exercises at any time during the day. The muscles that contract […]
What is perineal relaxation and perineorrhaphy?
July 30, 2014
Perineal relaxation is a condition in which the opening to the vagina is stretched and relaxed. The muscles of the perineum weaken, resulting in an increased caliber of the vaginal opening. Some women describe this as a feeling of “vaginal looseness” or feel that there is decreased sensation during intercourse. The pictures below show the appearance of the opening into […]
What is Colpocleisis?
June 4, 2014
In some patients not medically able to withstand a vaginal reconstructive procedure, and who do not wish to be sexually active in the future, the choice of treatment may be total colpocleisis or vaginectomy In this procedure, the pelvic floor musculature is brought together to block the prolapse, the vaginal bulge is reduced and the length of the vagina is […]
What is a PA?
May 19, 2014
Physician assistants are trained in schools of medicine and provide medical care in collaboration with a supervising physician. Their role in a medical practice varies from practice to practice based on the needs of that practice.
Power Morcellation and Recent Expert Concerns
May 13, 2014
“Power morcellation” is a common technique used by urogynecologic and other surgeons. Power morcellation involves breaking up tissue that is being pulled out of the abdominal cavity. Minimally invasive urogynecologic surgeries use very small incisions, which are often less than 1 inch long. It would be impossible to pull out surgically removed uteruses with large fibroids (leiomyomas) through these tiny […]
Da Vinci Surgery: Who Controls the Robot?
April 14, 2014
A common question from patients who are scheduled for da Vinci robotic assisted surgery is, “How does the robot do the surgery?” While robotic surgery sounds like something of the future where the robot goes on autopilot and does the surgery, this is not the case! The robot is controlled at all times by the surgeon. The surgeon sits at […]
What Causes Urinary Retention in Women?
November 27, 2013
Urinary retention is the inability to urinate or empty the bladder. Retention may be related to the bladder or other conditions. Causes related to the bladder: Detrusor Sphincter Dyssynergia (DSD) or neurogenic bladder, caused by neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, stroke or spinal cord injury. In instances of DSD, the signal from the brain to the bladder that normally functions […]
Arise Austin Medical Center
October 18, 2013
Austin Surgical Hospital has now become physician owned Arise Austin Medical Center (AAMC). The hospital is a 23 bed facility located at 3003 Bee Caves Road, across MoPac from Zilker Park. Unlike many physician owned hospitals, AAMC not only accepts all major insurance payers, but is also Medicare accredited, which means Medicare patients do not have to be screened. Physician […]
What is a Urogynecologist? What is Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)?
September 3, 2013
Urogynecology is a sub-specialty of gynecology and urology. Gynecologists who practice this sub-specialty are urogynecologists. Urogynecologists complete medical school and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology then specialize in pelvic floor disorders. Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) is a specialty board that combines urogynecologists and urologists who also specialize in pelvic floor disorders. FPMRS administered their first board certification […]