Within the Pelvic Floor Disorders Program at USC University Hospital, surgeons combine diagnostic and imaging techniques with a surgical approach to evaluate and treat patients suffering from disorders of the pelvic floor.

The effects of childbirth, aging, obesity, menopause, previous pelvic surgery, and chronic straining may lead to disorders of the pelvic floor.  Symptomatic patients can experience loss of bowel/urinary control, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, difficulty passing stool/urine, and pelvic pressure.  

Our objective is to help take the stigma out of this set of disorders and offer access to advanced therapies with a holistic perspective to help improve the quality of life for patients.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

Traditionally, the pelvic floor has been segmented by specialists treating disorders of the distal urinary tract, genital organs, and anus and rectum as separate entities.  Disorders across these anatomic areas, separated only by millimeters of tissue, can be common.  If a compartmental approach is implemented when treating women with a pelvic floor disorder, there is the possibility of inaccurately identifying which segment of the pelvic floor may be causing the disorder.  This method may lead to an inadequate surgical repair where the original problem recurs or additional problems present themselves. 

The USC Pelvic Floor Disorders Program's multidisciplinary approach is incorporated when treating patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.  Led by colorectal surgeons in conjunction with colleagues from gynecology, urology, gastroenterology, radiology and physical therapy, this collaboration provides advanced care that can cross traditional referral boundaries.  Our multidisciplinary team is located in a centralized location, to help make patient visits as convenient as possible.

For more information about the Pelvic Floor Disorders Program, please call 1.888.700-5700.