• What will take place during my consultation visit?

During your consultation visit, a history will be taken, and your physician will perform a physical examination including an anal/rectal digital exam. Depending on your medical disorder, a vaginal examination may also be performed.  If the physician feels that additional anorectal testing should take place, these tests may be performed in the Anorectal Physiology Laboratory on the day of your consultation, or on a subsequent office visit. 

• Should I bring my medical records to an appointment?

Medical records can be sent to our office prior to your first appointment.  If this is not possible, your medical records need to be hand carried to your first visit so the physician can become acquainted with your medical history.  Once your records are reviewed, additional records may need to be sent to our office.  If this is the case, we will have you sign a Request for Medical Records form so that doctors who have treated you may send/fax us your records.

• What is the pelvic floor and what does it do?

The “pelvic floor” refers to the pelvic diaphragm, the sphincter mechanism of the lower urinary tract, the upper and lower vaginal supports, and the internal and external anal sphincters.  It is a network of muscles, ligaments and other tissues that hold up the pelvic organs (vagina, rectum, uterus and bladder). 

• What is the difference between a pelvic floor disorder and a colorectal disorder?

Colorectal disorders involve the colon which includes the rectum and anus.   

A pelvic floor disorder may involve the sphincter mechanism of the lower urinary tract, the upper and lower vaginal supports, and/or the internal and external anal sphincters.  Because pelvic floor disorders cross these anatomic areas that are only separated by millimeters of tissue, this patient population is treated in a multidisciplinary fashion by specialists in  the disciplines of urology, gynecology, and colorectal surgery.

• When I exercise, laugh or sneeze, feces and/or urine leak onto my undergarment, is this indicative of a colorectal disorder or a pelvic floor disorder?

Leakage of feces and/or urine due to exercise, laughter or a sneeze, may be indicative of either a colorectal disorder or a pelvic floor disorder.  During your office visit, our physicians will discuss your history, and may order anorectal testing so that your condition can be evaluated.

• What type of surgery do you offer to correct incontinence?

There are different options available to treat/manage incontinence.  Since every case is unique, our physicians will recommend an individualized treatment plan once consultation and testing take place.