PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS

The pelvic floor is a set of muscles that form a hammock or sling around the opening of the pelvis. The pelvic organs, including the womb (uterus), rectum and urinary bladder, are held in position by the pelvic floor muscles and the surrounding tissues. The incidence of pelvic floor disorders increases when the muscles of the pelvic floor and connective tissue are injured or weakened. Some of the common pelvic floor disorders include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and anal incontinence.

One of the most common observation in our practice are patients complaining difficulties in emptying the rectum during defecation. Most frequently no obvious abnormalities can be detected on physical examination. Therefore, additional tests are required to define the nature of these conditions. Dynamic Pelvic US and 3D Endo anal US allow anatomical and dynamic assessment of the pelvic structure and are performed in these circumstances. Both tests are available at our clinic and are performed in the clinic without requiring specific preparation and they provide detailed assessment of pelvic structures even during dynamic phases. High resolution Anorectal Manometry is also utilized in patient with pelvic dysfunctions, and it usually carried out in the same session of Dynamic Pelvic US and 3D Endo anal US. These tests altogether constitute and integrated diagnostic approach of patient with pelvic conditions.

In selected cases, Dynamic pelvic MRI can be performed to visualize the entire pelvic region during certain dynamic functions such as straining and pushing. All diagnostic tools are available at our center.

Fecal incontinence is another common condition where integrated diagnostic approach is utilized to define the pelvic anatomy and the function of the anal muscles.

The most appropriate treatment can only be offered only after precise anatomical and functional assessment.

Clinical Assessment, Diagnostic Tests and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Procedures

Initial assessment consists of standard physical examination which is done fully respecting your privacy, minimizing exposure of body parts and therefore reducing the embarrassment and discomfort that this type of examination may naturally entail. According to your clinical condition, the doctor may require performing additional office tests. These tests are usually carried out immediately after initial assessment or in some circumstance they will require a separate appointment. Anoscopy, High Resolution Anorectal Manometry, 3D Endo anal US, Dynamic Pelvic US Anal and Pelvic Floor Electromyography and Pelvic Dynamic and Proctogram MRI are the most frequently performed tests . Once the diagnosis is established the doctor will be explaining the results of the investigation and what is required to deal with your condition.

Anoscopy

This is a standard investigation which is carried out with a small, rigid, self-illuminated and disposable instrument which is inserted into the anal canal to allow visual inspection. The procedure is performed using a lubricant gel to minimize the friction and facilitate the introduction. The procedure is generally rapid, lasting on average no more than one minute and it is very well tolerated with minimal discomfort.

High Resolution Anorectal Manometry

The test evaluates the efficiency and function  of the anal sphincters assessing different aspect of ano-rectal physiology. The procedure will help your doctor evaluate the cause and determine the correct treatment of fecal incontinence, chronic constipation or other conditions. While lying on your left side, a thin flexible catheter with a small uninflated balloon at the tip is passed through the anus and into the rectum. This solid-state probe will provide precise measurement of anal canal and rectal pressure. The test is not painful and is performed with the complete respect of patient privacy and avoiding unnecessary exposure of private parts.

3D Endo Anal US and Dynamic Pelvic US

Dedicated pelvic endo-anal and endo-vaginal US are the cornerstones of modern coloproctology and pelvic floor care. These tests allow dynamic assessment of the pelvis and pelvic stricture with detailed 3D reconstruction of the peri-anal and pelvic region. These US can be variably combined according to the patient conditions. Test is performed in the US room in the doctor’s office. They are not painful and not require any specific preparation.

Electromyography of Anal Canal and Pelvic Floor

The electromyography involves direct recording of muscle electrical activity at rest and during specific contractions that you will be requested to perform during the test. Registration will be performed using a small probe inserted in your back passage and superficial registration electrodes applied on your lower abdomen in order to allow simultaneous registration of the activity of your accessory muscles. During the test you will be prompted the instructions and you will be able to visualize the muscular activity of your contraction directly on the computer screen.

Pelvic Dynamic and Proctogram MRI

This is a special magnetic resonance of the pelvic floor that allow to visualize the dynamic phase of defecation in order to see how the pelvic organs interacts together during resting and dynamic phases of defecation. This is a non-radiologic test which requires one hour, and it is performed in a special radiologic suit with full respect of your privacy.

Biofeedback/Pelvic Floor Retraining and Electrotherapy

In case your pelvic muscle are weaker than expected or are working in a way that is not coordinated you may be required to undergo session of rehabilitation that are performed  with the aid of special instruments that will allow you to visualize the results of your effort and therefore improve the way you use your pelvic and anal muscles which may be affected in certain circumstances such as fecal incontinence, weakness of pelvic muscle, difficult rectal emptying and others. In same circumstances in order to improve strength and condition of your muscles it may be necessary to provide electrical stimulation which will be able to reinforce them to work more efficiency. These types of rehabilitation works are performed is a cycle of ten over 2-week period. Each session lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. These sessions are not painful and are performed with the complete respect of patient privacy and avoiding unnecessary exposure of private parts.


FAQs

  • What is a Pelvic Care Center?
  • Which specialists work in the Pelvic Care Center?
  • Which pathologies/conditions do we treat at the Pelvic Care Center?
  • Which diagnostic tests do we routinely perform at the Pelvic Care Center?
  • Which treatments do we provide at the Pelvic Care Center?
What is a Pelvic Care Center?

It is a highly specialized facility where different specialists work together to offer multidisciplinary care to patients complaining of various diseases or conditions affecting the pelvic organs. The pelvis is the anatomical area where different organs, such urinary bladder/urinary structures, reproductive organs, rectum and anus are localized which are usually treated by a single specialist according to the most prevalent type of symptoms that the patient is complaining of. In many circumstances pelvic organs belonging to different systems such as Intestinal, Urinary and Reproductive organs may be affected at the same time and therefore in order to achieve better and more comprehensive care, a multidisciplinary approach is the only solution in order to effectively improve a patient’s condition.

Which specialists work in the Pelvic Care Center?

Urologists with neuro-urology skills, Gynecologists, Gastroenterologists and Colorectal surgeons are the core competences that should be present in any Pelvic Care Center. In addition to these specialists, specialized personnel in charge of rehabilitation treatments are usually present to complement the activity of the center.

Which pathologies/conditions do we treat at the Pelvic Care Center?

We provide initial consultation assessment diagnosis and innovative care option for:

  • Chronic constipation
  • Complex colonic and rectal polyps
  • Common anorectal conditions
  • Anal and fecal incontinence
  • Outlet type constipation and obstructed defecation syndromes
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinary retention and other voiding dysfunctions
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Sexual dysfunctions age and non-age related in both sexes
  • Pelvic organs prolapse
  • Advanced Gynecologic screening modalities and disease prevention
  • Obstetric services and delivery assistance

Most of these conditions, although may not be life-threatening, constitute a burden for the patient greatly affecting the quality of life.

Which diagnostic tests do we routinely perform at the Pelvic Care Center?
  • Dynamic MRI proctogram to identify defecation disorders and pelvic organs prolapse
  • Endoanal Ultrasound to assess anal sphincters and perianal tissues by Consultant Gastroenterologist
  • Lactulose breath test to identify various conditions such as slow transit constipation and bloating by Consultant Gastroenterologist
  • Abdominal, Pelvic, Duplex US scan by Consultant Gastroenterologist
  • Obstetric and Gynecology US scan by Consultant Obstetric and Gynecologist
  • Pelvic US scan by Consultant Urologyst
  • Anal manometry and balloon expulsion test to assess anal sphincter function by Consultant Colorectal surgeon
  • Advanced Urodynamic assessment for chronic urinary dysfunction and impaired voiding conditions
  • Endoanal and superficial non-needle electromyography recruitment to assess electrical activity of anal sphincter, coordination of muscle of the pelvic floor and recruitment of antagonist muscles by Consultant Colorectal surgeon
  • Endovaginal and superficial non-needle electromyography recruitment to assess electrical activity of vaginal muscle, coordination of muscle of the pelvic floor and recruitment of antagonist muscles by Consultant Urologist
  • Pelvic Neurophysiology electromyography end evoked potentials tests to assess electrical conductivity of Pudendal nerve by Consultant Urologist
  • Complete Urodynamic tests to assess urinary conditions including incontinence urgency and voiding problems
  • Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) to assess whether sacral nerve neuro modulation is effective and appropriate for certain condition such as anal incontinence and other lower urinary tract dysfunctions
Which treatments do we provide at the Pelvic Care Center?

At Harley Pelvic Care Centre we offer a step-wise approach for the common to the most complicated pelvic conditions. All treatments are based on the evidence of diagnostic tests and no treatment is offered on empirical basis. We have a vast array of most advanced diagnostic treatment modalities which are effective and proven to resolve or improve most of these troubling conditions. Most of these diagnostic tests and treatment modalities are unknown to the UAE and Harley Pelvic Care Center is the only institution in the entire country where these services are offered in an organized and multidisciplinary setting.

  • Minimally invasive and advanced procedures for colo-proctology conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fistula and non-surgical treatment for anal spasm and anal pain
  • Routine and advanced endoscopy services including polypectomies, endoscopic mucosal resection and trans-anal resection
  • Routine advanced laparoscopy for pelvic organ prolapse and other benign gynecologic and urologic conditions
  • Routine and advanced endoscopic-urologic procedure for diagnosis and treatment con urinary tract and bladder diseases including stone disease
  • Non-scalpel minimally invasive vasectomy
  • Advanced treatments of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
  • Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pelvic pain, functional anal and urinary conditions and some forms of anal and urinary incontinences
  • Biofeedback and pelvic muscle retraining with and without electrical stimulation for various pelvic conditions such as incontinences, obstructed defecation, pelvic dyssynergia, chronic pelvic pain, voiding dysfunctions, etc.
  • Peripheral nerve anesthetic blocks under EMG guidance for chronic pelvic pain or anal spasm
  • Peripheral nerve denervation for chronic pelvic pain with Pulsed Radiofrequency for chronic pelvic pain and other conditions
  • Sacral Nerve Neuromodulation permanent implants for chronic pelvic conditions such as fecal and urinary incontinences
  • Sexual enhancement treatments for chronic age and non-age related sexual dysfunctions both in female and male.

At Harley Pelvic Care Center we make sure that all procedures and diagnostic tests required are performed with minimal discomfort and inconvenience to the patient. Anesthesiologists are fully involved and integrated in the practice making sure that the highest quality of care is delivered with the best possible patient’s experience.


Clinic Timing


MON    09:00 – 15:00
TUE      10:00 – 18:00
WED    10:00 – 18:00
THU     09:00 – 17:00
FRI        09:00 – 17:00
SAT      14:00 – 17:00
SUN   NOT AVAILABLE


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