Rise in Urogynecologic Surgery for Women

A recent study conducted by the Center for Women’s Health Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has found a startling rise in the number of urogynecologic surgeries performed on women with private health insurance. A previous study, conducted in 1995, showed a lifetime risk of surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at 11%. The 2013 study, however, shows that the lifetime risk of surgery for SUI or POP now stands at 20%. This increase shows the need to train skilled physicians to perform the surgery and to find preventative measures for SUI and POP.

Perinatal Resources is dedicated to continuing education for obstetricians and gynecologists. News such as the double risk of urogynecologic surgery for SUI and POP reinforces Perinatal Resources’ need to keep obstetricians and gynecologists knowledgeable and skilled in treating and preventing women’s health issues. The Columbus Comprehensive Review and the Annual Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology are tools offered by Perinatal Resources to improve patient care and continue medical education. Both are post-graduate courses designed to update and inform current obstetricians and gynecologists. The health field is always changing, so it’s best for your patients if you stay informed to better treat and prevent illnesses.

Currently, one in five women will undergo urogynecologic surgery before the age of 80. According to the study, several factors have contributed to this increase over the years including midurethral slings and vaginal mesh procedures as well as a greater number of elderly women. With statistics such as these, it is absolutely vital that physicians stay informed about complications with SUI and POP procedures. Obstetricians and gynecologists also need to be skilled enough to perform these surgeries successfully and to explain the procedures to patients. The rise in the number of urogynecologic surgeries indicates that this is a bigger problem that health professionals originally thought. Do your part to prevent and treat urogynecologic surgeries and dedicate yourself to continued education with Perinatal Resources. Contact us about course offerings today.