PROVIDENCE – Dr. Cassandra L. Carberry, a member of the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Women & Infants Hospital and an assistant professor and clinician educator at Brown University, led the team authoring, “Evaluation and Counseling of Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse,” a best-practice statement in the journal Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery.
The American Urogynecologic Society Guidelines and Statements Committee published the statement in the journal.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common problem in women that is caused by a weakness of the ligaments and muscle that normally hold up the bladder, vagina, uterus and rectum. While it is not usually dangerous, POP can be very uncomfortable and interfere with healthy living. Often, health care providers struggle with how to properly evaluate and counsel patients with POP.
According to the statement, “Women with prolapse should have an examination to quantify the loss of anatomic support and should be evaluated for associated bladder, bowel and prolapse symptoms, as well as associated bother. Treatment options should be tailored to meet the patient’s medical health and personal functional goals. In most cases, women should be informed of the range of treatment options, including observation as well as nonsurgical and surgical management.”
Carberry explains there are several treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse, including specialized physical therapy to help strengthen the pelvic muscles that support the vagina, bladder and rectum; a pessary to provide support; or surgery to correct the POP.
“It’s important for women with pelvic organ prolapse to be properly evaluated and given all their options. Any health care provider taking care of women may encounter patients with pelvic organ prolapse. They should be aware of the necessary evaluation and treatment options, and can work collaboratively with specialists to treat those women who are symptomatic to improve their quality of life,” Carberry said.
For information about Women & Infants’ Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, visit womenandinfants.org/urogynecology or call (401) 453-7560.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
