Introduction Lower urinary tract dysfunction describes various problems related to the bladder’s ability to store or empty urine. Voiding dysfunction refers specifically to bladder emptying problems. Urinary retention is the inability to complete the voiding phase of the micturition cycle,…
Introduction The primary functions of the urinary bladder are storage and emptying, which are mediated by a combination of parasympathetic, sympathetic, and autonomic signaling (see Chapter 3 ). Bladder compliance is the ability of the bladder to accommodate changes in…
Introduction Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by urinary urgency, with or without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), usually with increased daytime frequency and nocturia, if there is no proven infection or other obvious pathology. The American Urologic Association (AUA) defines the…
Overactive bladder syndrome Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom syndrome defined as urinary urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with urinary frequency and nocturia, and in the absence of urinary tract infection (UTI) or other obvious pathology ( ).…
Introduction Full-thickness rectal prolapse is a benign but debilitating condition involving full-thickness descent of the rectum through the anal canal ( Fig. 30.1 ). It is important to distinguish full-thickness rectal prolapse from simple prolapse of the rectal mucosa on…
Anatomy of the perineal body, distal vagina, rectum, and anus Perineal body defects and rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are part of a spectrum of conditions that impact the posterior pelvic floor. The surgical interventions used to address these defects must be…
Definition and etiology Constipation is a broad term that is defined as difficult evacuation of feces, infrequent defecation, or inadequate defecation. Our understanding of the etiology of constipation has improved, resulting in an evolving definition. One commonly used definition is…
Epidemiology Fecal incontinence, the involuntary leakage of liquid or solid stool, and anal incontinence, including the involuntary leakage of gas, are devastating problems. Many people find these conditions socially incapacitating and stay home, minimizing social contact to avoid embarrassing situations.…
This chapter discusses the evaluation, prevention, and management of many complications commonly associated with pelvic reconstructive surgery. Of note, it does not include a discussion of the evaluation and management of lower urinary tract injuries, which can be found in…
Introduction Pelvic reconstructive surgery for genital prolapse and urinary stress incontinence usually results in improved quality of life ( ). However, numerous complications from mesh-augmented prolapse repairs, as well as placement of synthetic slings, have been reported in the literature.…