Urethral and Vaginal Reconstruction

Women sometimes have abnormalities in their urethras or vaginas that have a great impact on their health and quality of life. These include:

• Vesicovaginal and urethrovaginal fistulae, abnormal channels that develop between the bladder or urethra and the vagina, and cause incontinence.
• Urethral diverticulum, a pocket that develops in the side of the urethra, is connected with the rest of the urethra by only a very small channel, often resulting in pain with intercourse, urinary tract infections, post-void dribbling, and burning with urination.
• Vaginal wall prolapse, when the complex network of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that supports the pelvic organs and holds them in place weakens or breaks, and the bladder, uterus, and/or rectum, bulge into the vagina. Prolapse can cause vaginal pressure, bladder and bowel problems, pain with intercourse, back pain, and/or pelvic pain.

About Urethral and Vaginal Reconstruction

During urethral and vaginal reconstruction urologic surgeons perform any of a number of surgical repairs of the urethra and/or vagina to correct these abnormalities. These procedures can range from the cosmetic to the life-saving.

Women whose urethral-vaginal region has been altered by prior surgery, accidents, birth trauma, or by other events may be eligible for reconstructive procedures.

Most of these surgeries are done through the vagina (transvaginally) and are done as outpatient procedures. Most are minimally invasive procedures and can have a tremendous impact on a woman's quality of life. Our urologists offer multi-modality treatment options and the latest in medical and surgical therapy.