LUHS opens new center to treat women with pelvic-floor disorders

Jun 14 2012

Loyola University Health System (LUHS) will open a multidisciplinary center to treat women with pelvic-floor disorders beginning today, Wednesday, June 13. Appointments will be available from 2-5 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The Pelvic Health Center will be located on the third floor of the Loyola Outpatient Center at 2160 S. First Ave. in Maywood.

"This multidisciplinary center will combine the expertise of various specialists to bring comprehensive care to women with pelvic-floor disorders," said Kimberly Kenton, MD, MS, FACOG, FACS, director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, LUHS. "Our specialists work together to provide care for women in the convenience of a single location."

The pelvic floor is a combination of muscles, ligaments and tissue that support the bladder, vagina, uterus and rectum. Millions of women suffer from pelvic-floor disorders, which can occur from childbirth, heavy lifting, aging and certain chronic medical and neurologic conditions.

Patients who visit the center will benefit from the expertise of urogynecologists, urologists, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, physiatrists and physical therapists who will be able to comprehensively diagnose and treat a wide range of pelvic-floor conditions, including:

-Urinary incontinence
-Fecal incontinence
-Pelvic-organ prolapse
-Vaginal, rectal, bladder and ureteral fistulas
-Anal sphincter abnormalities
-Anal sphincter reconstruction
-Complications of prior pelvic surgery

Patients will be able to choose treatments for their pelvic-floor condition, including lifestyle modifications, cognitive behavior therapy, pelvic-floor exercises, medication and minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic or robotic approaches. The center also will offer patients access to state-of-the-art equipment and the latest advances in research.

"Pelvic-floor disorders can significantly compromise a woman's quality of life," said Theodore Saclarides, MD, director of the division of Colorectal Surgery, LUHS. "The goal of our clinic is to bring relief to these patients in the most effective and efficient way possible."

Source: Loyola University Health System