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 […]
Urethral Caruncle
March 27, 2012
A urethral caruncle is a benign outgrowth at the urethral meatus (urethral opening). They occur most commonly in postmenopausal women. Urethral caruncles occur when the outermost part of the urethra everts or turns out. When the mucosa is circumferentially everted, meaning the growth encompasses the entire diameter of the urethra, rather than just a segment of the urethra, the lesion […]
Urethral Diverticulectomy
February 8, 2012
A urethral diverticulum is a saclike protrusion between the tissue surrounding the urethra and the anterior vaginal wall.
Most women diagnosed with urethral diverticulum are between the ages of 30 and 50. Causes of urethral diverticula include an obstructed gland that lies next to the urethra and urethral injury. Symptoms include painful urination, painful intercourse, dribbling after urination, recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence. Symptoms may also include bulging in the vagina. Evaluation consists of a physical […]
InterStim®
February 8, 2012
The implantable InterStim II® sacral nerve stimulation uses mild electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves to control the muscles of the pelvic floor, lower urinary tract, urinary and anal sphincters, and colon. These sacral nerves are located just above the tail bone.
In properly selected patients, the InterStim neurostimulator can dramatically reduce or eliminate symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), urinary retention, and fecal incontinence. Sacral Nerve Stimulation therapy is delivered in two procedures. The first is the test to see if the therapy will work for you. A test [temporarily test stimulation] is used before implantation of the InterStim Neurostimulator to see […]
TVT sling complications and vesicovaginal fistulas managed robotically
September 28, 2011
Dr. Shashoua and Dr. Shaw of Austin Urology Institute have been working collaboratively on developing minimally invasive techniques with the daVinci robot to manage patients with mid-urethral sling complications (tvt sling complications) and vesicovaginal fistulas. They have treated several patients robotically who were referred with mid-urethral sling erosion into the bladder as well as patients referred for vesicovaginal fistula repair.