Trinitas Hospital Evaluates Incontinence Problems: Pills or Surgery?

Several options are currently available for women experiencing bladder control and incontinence problems, including incontinence surgery and overactive bladder medication. But according to Trinitas Hospital urogynecologist Labib Edison Riachi, MD, a specialist in advanced pelvic surgery and female urinary incontinence, the two options are not interchangeable.

ELIZABETH, NJ (PRWEB) November 12, 2004 -- Several options are currently available for women experiencing bladder control and incontinence problems, including incontinence surgery and overactive bladder medication. But according to Trinitas Hospital urogynecologist Labib Edison Riachi, MD, a specialist in advanced pelvic surgery and female urinary incontinence, the two options are not interchangeable.

Many women experiencing incontinence problems have seen the advertisements for the overactive bladder pills and patches, and incorrectly believe that taking a daily pill can solve their problems," says Dr. Riachi, the first physician in northern New Jersey and one of the first in the nation to successfully perform the Gynecare TVT-Obturator procedure for female incontinence. However, the medication is only for women who experience frequent urination or the urge to urinate immediately, not for women with urinary incontinence as a result of muscle weakness or other medical problems."

Dr. Riachi, who was the first surgeon in New Jersey to perform incontinence surgery using the Boston Scientific Transvaginal Sling, is the founder of the Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery at Trinitas Hospital.

In addition, its important for women to remember that the pills and patches come with a wide range of side effects, including dry mouth, retention and constipation," says Dr. Riachi. The minimally-invasive procedures we perform at Trinitas Hospital can be completed in only 15 minutes, versus a lifetime of taking medication."

The surgical procedure involves positioning a mesh sling underneath the urethra, creating a supportive sling. The procedure does not require catheterization, and most patients are able to return to normal activities within two days. It is performed under local or regional anesthesia.

Each year, more than 13 million women in the United States experience urinary incontinence, resulting in leakage or accidents. Although incontinence is a condition generally associated with aging, it can be a problem for women of all ages. In fact, one in four women between the ages of 30 to 59 have experienced an episode of incontinence.

Trinitas Hospital also offers specialized physical therapy services targeted to women with pelvic floor and incontinence problems. The rehabilitation services are part of the full complement of pelvic care services offered at the hospital by Dr. Riachi, including biofeedback continence training, evaluation and treatment, and pelvic floor dysfunction services.

Dr. Riachi is a member of the Women's Care Physician's Group, LLC and the Medical Staff of Trinitas Hospital. For further information on Female Urinary Incontinence and the TVT-O procedure at Trinitas Hospital, please call (908) 282-2000.

About Trinitas Hospital
Trinitas Hospital is a full service healthcare facility and a Catholic teaching hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, serving those who live and work in Eastern and Central Union County. It is the result of the merger of Elizabeth General Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital in 2000. Operating on two major campuses, Trinitas Hospital offers 531 beds, including a 120-bed long-term care center. Trinitas Hospital provides comprehensive medical/surgical services, emergency services, senior services, adult and child/adolescent psychiatric care, cardiac care, cancer services, renal services, an infectious disease program, maternal/child health services including a high-risk newborn nursery, inpatient pediatric care, diabetes management center, wound healing center, sleep disorders center and a bloodless medicine program.

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