Pelvic floor disorders are common and severely affect the lives of women who suffer from them. Many of these women are too embarrassed to seek care, and the number of providers well versed in the treatment of these disorders is limited. It is estimated that up to half of women suffer from incontinence and/or prolapse by age 80 years and a third of these women have symptoms severe enough to seek surgical treatment.
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) has arrived as a new subspecialty recently recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. It is essential that practicing gynecologists and urologists become familiar with the diagnosis of these common problems and are prepared to offer both medical and surgical treatments. Knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy as well as the physiology of continence and pelvic support is essential. Because the majority of pelvic floor disorders are functional problems that affect quality of life, the practitioner must also be familiar with measures of symptom severity and quality of life impact. While many disorders are treated satisfactorily with medical management, surgical therapies are an essential component of the treatment armamentarium.
Within its 37 chapters, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery comprehensively presents the anatomy, pathophysiology, and medical and surgical treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. The content is organized into four sections. Section I reviews fundamental topics including epidemiology, anatomy, mechanisms of disease, and clinical and quality of life evaluation. Section II addresses disease states and is divided into four parts addressing lower urinary tract dysfunction, functional anorectal disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of pain, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction. Section III addresses clinical management and Section IV surgical management of pelvic floor dysfunction. With a clear, easy-to-follow layout and writing style the book comprehensively covers the breadth of the field. Ample figures and tables accompany the text illustrating the concepts presented. Key Points in each chapter highlight important conclusions made in the text, and a Master Surgeons' Corner outlines important tips and tricks in surgical management.
We wish to acknowledge the many international experts who contributed to this book. They represent the leaders in our specialty and the foremost medical institutions. The authors were eager to share their expertise with the gynecologists and urologists who wish to be up to date in this emerging field and who serve the many women seeking freedom from these embarrassing problems.