Our Blog

What is a Urogynecologist?

May 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. Dr. Shashoua developed specialized skills in treatment of urogynecologic conditions including cystocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse, enterocele, urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence over his years of practice at Oakwood Women’s […]

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

May 3, 2013

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who has obtained a master of science in nursing. Typically a nurse practitioner obtains a bachelor of science in nursing then goes on to obtain a master of science in nursing and board certification in their specialty area. Nurse practitioners provide medical care to patients including diagnosis, treatment and prescription […]

What is Atrophic Vaginitis?

April 22, 2013

Menopause or removal of the ovaries results in a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps to increase blood flow to vaginal tissue. Atrophic vaginitis occurs when there is a decrease in estrogen levels resulting in inflammation and thinning and shrinking of the vaginal walls. Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis may include vaginal dryness, soreness, dyspareunia or pain with intercourse and bleeding […]

What Is Hydrodistention?

April 9, 2013

Hydrodistention is distention or of the bladder through an infusion of saline. This may be used as a diagnostic tool for Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Hydrodistention is performed under anesthesia in an out-patient setting. During Hydrodistention, a cystocope is inserted into the bladder and the bladder is infused with saline until distention is achieved. A small camera on the end of […]

What is Dyspareunia?

March 27, 2013

Dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs before during or after intercourse. Causes may be physical or psychological in origin. A thorough patient history, pelvic exam and sometimes imaging such as ultrasound or CT may be utilized to determine the cause. Symptoms vary depending on the origin or the pain. Pain may occur upon entry or with shallow […]

Dr. Shashoua’s Hospital Affiliations

March 18, 2013

As of the second week in February of 2013, Kyle opened its first outpatient surgery center, Hays Surgery Center (HSC). The new surgery center has 5 operating rooms and over 20 practicing surgeons. Dr. Shashoua utilizes the surgery center for outpatient procedures including vaginal prolapse repairs, mid-urethral slings and urethral bulking as well as laparoscopic procedures. HSC provides a convenient […]

What is the Difference Between Sacrocolpopexy and Sacrocolpoperineopexy?

March 18, 2013

Both Sacrocolpopexy and Sacrocolpoperineopexy are surgical procedures to correct cystocele, rectocele, vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele. Both procedures may be done by da Vinici robotic assisted surgery, laparoscopically, or as an open procedure. Sacrocolpopexy is a prolapse repair done from the abdomen, elevating the prolapse using a surgical mesh. The mesh is placed between the bladder and the vagina and […]

Tensioning of a Mid-Urethral Sling- What Happens if the Sling is Too Tight

February 28, 2013

All mid-urethral slings are placed tension free. Tension varies from patient to patient. For example, in a patient with Intrinsic Sphincteric Deficiency (ISD) of the urethra in addition to movement of the urethra, the sling is placed tighter than in a patient who only has movement of the urethra. Sometimes after a mid-urethral sling, patients have difficulty voiding. When that […]

What is the difference between a Sacrocolpopexy and a rectopexy or sacrorectopexy?

January 9, 2013

During a da Vinci sacrocolpopexy, surgical mesh is used to restore the normal anatomy of the vagina. Sacrocolpopexy is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse including uterine prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele. Rectopexy is used to treat rectal prolapse. The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine and is located above the anus. Rectal prolapse […]

Vesicovaginal Fistula

May 15, 2012

A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina that results in urine leakage into the vagina. Diagnosis is made by history and physical exam. Some patients with vesicovaginal fistula complain of large amounts of urine leakage through the vagina. In these patients, diagnosis could be made by physical exam alone. However, with small fistulas, diagnosis could […]

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