Female Urologic Surgery in Ventura County
Urogynecologic Procedures
Our urogynecologists perform a full range of urogynecologic surgeries. Whenever possible, they choose the least invasive procedure and operate vaginally, laparoscopically or using the da Vinci® robot. The urogynecologic procedures most performed at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura are listed below.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Surgery
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs — the bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel, and rectum — and keep them in place. These muscles tend to weaken after pregnancy and as a woman ages, causing the pelvic organs to fall out of their normal position and descend into the vaginal canal. This can lead to a variety of issues, from back pain and painful intercourse to urinary and fecal incontinence. Our surgeons perform a variety of procedures to repair the vaginal wall, support the prolapsed organs, and restore continence and sexual function.
Learn more about about pelvic organ prolapse surgery as well as other treatment approaches.
Fistula Repair
A fistula is an abnormal opening between structures in the body that are not supposed to be connected. Urogynecologists repair vaginal fistulas, in which the opening is between the vagina and bladder, rectum, or urethra. These types of fistulas can have a variety of causes, including childbirth and surgical complications, inflammatory bowel disease, and pelvic cancers. Fistulas related to cancer are treated by a gynecologic oncologist, and fistulas related to inflammatory bowel disease are treated by a colorectal surgeon.
- Rectovaginal fistula is an opening between the rectum and vagina, usually caused by a difficult birth. This type of fistula allows gas and sometimes even small amounts of feces to pass through the vagina. Treatment is vaginal surgery.
- Vesicovaginal fistula is an opening between the bladder and vagina, most often caused by complications from a hysterectomy. Treatment is vaginal surgery.
Sacral Neuromodulation
This minimally invasive procedure is used to treat urinary urge incontinence and fecal incontinence. Sacral neuromodulation involves the implanting of a small device under the skin of the lower back. The device sends low level electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, which control the pelvic floor and the muscles involved in bladder and bowel function. Sacral neuromodulation is effective in 70 to 85% of patients. Younger patients tend to respond better.
Anal Sphincteroplasty
Also known as anal sphincter repair, sphincteroplasty is a procedure to repair torn or weakened anal sphincter muscles. Damage to these muscles, which control bowel movements, is a major cause of fecal incontinence. This can sometimes happen after a difficult vaginal delivery.
The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. The surgeon repairs the sphincter muscle and other muscles between the rectum and vagina layer by layer to restore function to the anal sphincter.
Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy, surgery to remove the uterus, is very common in the U.S. In fact, roughly one-third of women in the United States have had the procedure by age 60. Until recently, this required open surgery through the vagina or abdomen. Fortunately, hysterectomies can now be performed vaginally, laparoscopically, or robotically. There are several different approaches to this surgery. If you are scheduled for a hysterectomy, your surgeon will discuss their preferred approach with you.
