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Treatment for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Your health is important.
Bowel incontinence conditions, constipation, and pelvic disorders may feel stressful and embarrassing to talk about, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. At Galliano Surgical Group, we develop individualized treatment plans for our patients that help you get back to living a carefree life.
Galliano Surgical Group is the first and only InterStim™ Center of Excellence for Fecal Incontinence in Florida.
- What is Fecal and Urinary Incontinence, Constipation and Pelvic Disorders?
Fecal and urinary incontinence refer to the inability to control bowel movements and urine flow, respectively. These conditions can result in involuntary leakage or complete loss of control, leading to social and hygiene challenges. Constipation, on the other hand, is characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often resulting in hard and dry stool. Pelvic disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the structures in the pelvic region, such as pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction, which can contribute to incontinence and constipation.
- What are the causes of Fecal and Urinary Incontinence, Constipation and Pelvic Disorders?
The causes of fecal and urinary incontinence can vary and may include factors such as muscle or nerve damage, childbirth trauma, aging, certain medical conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, diabetes), and certain medications. Constipation can be caused by various factors, including a low-fiber diet, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity, certain medications (e.g., opioids), and underlying medical conditions (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism). Pelvic disorders can have multiple causes, including pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, chronic coughing, genetic factors, hormonal changes, and previous pelvic surgeries.
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Anal-Rectal Physiology Testing:
Anal-rectal physiology testing is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the function and coordination of the anal and rectal muscles. It involves measuring various parameters such as pressures, sensation, and reflexes within the anal canal and rectum. This testing helps in evaluating conditions like fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, and other pelvic floor disorders, providing valuable information for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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3D Echo Defecography
3D echo defecography is a specialized imaging technique used to evaluate the anatomy and function of the rectum and surrounding structures during defecation. It combines the use of ultrasound and contrast agents to create real-time 3D images of the rectum and pelvic floor. This procedure allows for a comprehensive assessment of conditions such as rectal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, and obstructed defecation, providing detailed visualization of anatomical abnormalities and dynamics during the process of bowel movement.
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3D Anal Ultrasound
3D anal ultrasound is an advanced imaging technique used to visualize the anal canal and surrounding structures in three dimensions. It employs ultrasound technology to create detailed, high-resolution images of the anal sphincters and rectal wall. This procedure is particularly useful in evaluating conditions such as anal sphincter defects, fistulas, abscesses, and tumors, providing valuable diagnostic information for treatment planning and monitoring.
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Pudendal Nerve Evaluation (PNE)
Pudendal Nerve Evaluation (PNE) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the function of the pudendal nerve, which plays a crucial role in controlling various pelvic and genital functions. During PNE, a specialized test is conducted to measure the nerve's responsiveness and conduction speed, helping to identify potential issues such as nerve compression or damage. This evaluation is particularly valuable in diagnosing conditions like chronic pelvic pain, fecal or urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction, enabling healthcare providers to develop targeted treatment plans for improved patient outcomes.
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Anal-Rectal Manometry:
Anal-rectal manometry is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function of the anal and rectal muscles. It involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube with sensors into the rectum to measure pressures and muscular activity. This test helps to assess the strength and coordination of the muscles involved in bowel control and can aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, and sphincter dysfunction. It is a quick and painless procedure.
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BK Medical Pelvic Floor Ultrasound
BK Medical Pelvic Floor Ultrasound is a specialized imaging technique designed to assess the pelvic floor muscles and structures. It utilizes ultrasound technology to generate real-time images of the pelvic region. This non-invasive procedure allows for detailed visualization of the bladder, urethra, rectum, and pelvic floor muscles, aiding in the evaluation of conditions such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. It provides valuable information about muscle function, bladder and urethral mobility, and pelvic organ support, helping in the diagnosis and treatment planning of pelvic floor disorders. Additionally, BK Medical Pelvic Floor Ultrasound can be used during certain maneuvers, such as coughing or squeezing, to assess the dynamic changes in the pelvic floor and bladder.
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Anal Electromyography
Anal electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the electrical activity of the muscles in the anal sphincter. It involves the placement of small electrodes into the muscles to measure their response to nerve stimulation. Anal EMG helps assess the integrity and function of the anal sphincter muscles, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as fecal incontinence, sphincter dysfunction, and nerve damage.
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Colonic Transit Study
A colonic transit study is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the movement and transit time of stool through the colon. It helps to assess the functioning of the colon and identify any abnormalities or delays in the passage of stool. The study typically involves the ingestion of markers or radiopaque capsules, followed by a series of abdominal X-rays taken over several days to track the movement of the markers and determine the transit time in different sections of the colon. This test is useful in diagnosing conditions such as chronic constipation, slow transit constipation, and colonic inertia.
Ways to Diagnose Fecal and Urinary Incontinence, Constipation and Pelvic Disorders:
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Solesta for Fecal Incontinence
Solesta is a gel-like injectable substance used in the treatment of fecal incontinence. It is composed of dextranomer microspheres suspended in a gel carrier and is injected into the anal canal to improve the function of the sphincter muscles and reduce involuntary bowel leakage.
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Biofeedback and Pelvic Rehab for Fecal Incontinence and Pelvic Dyssynergy
Biofeedback and pelvic rehab are therapeutic approaches used to address fecal incontinence and pelvic dyssynergy. Biofeedback involves the use of sensors to provide visual or auditory feedback on muscle activity, helping patients learn to control and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic rehab incorporates various techniques such as exercises, behavioral modifications, and lifestyle changes to improve muscle coordination and function, ultimately promoting better bowel control and reducing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
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Pelvic Rehabilitation
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Sacral Nerve Stimulation
Sacral nerve stimulation is a therapeutic procedure that involves the implantation of a small device to stimulate the sacral nerves, which control the function of the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscles. By providing electrical impulses to these nerves, sacral nerve stimulation can help manage conditions such as urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as certain pelvic pain disorders, offering a potential treatment option when conservative measures have been ineffective.
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SECCA for Incontinence
SECCA is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fecal incontinence. It involves the use of radiofrequency energy to strengthen and tighten the muscles of the anal canal, improving their ability to maintain continence and reducing episodes of involuntary bowel leakage.
Pelvic rehabilitation is a specialized therapeutic approach aimed at improving the function and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. It involves a combination of exercises, manual techniques, and other modalities to address conditions such as pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse, promoting overall pelvic health and well-being.