Pelvic Floor Surgery

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Methods for Testing Pelvic Floor

Dr. Ismail Shafik employs a holistic and patient-focused strategy in pelvic floor treatment, prioritizing precise diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and sustained management to achieve the best outcomes for pelvic health and recovery.

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Approach to Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Conditions

Dr. Ismail Shafik may conduct a physical examination to assess the functionality of your pelvic floor muscles. Through manual examination, Dr. Shafik will evaluate for any spasms, tension, or weakness present in these muscles. Additionally, a rectal examination will be performed, along with a pelvic examination if you are assigned female at birth (AFAB).

Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Conditions

External Visual Exam

• Dr. Ismail Shafik performs a pelvic exam to detect any abnormalities in your vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, rectum and pelvis. This examination may be part of a routine checkup and may include a Pap smear if you haven’t had one in some time or are at risk for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Internal Visual Exam

• Dr. Ismail Shafik evaluates the pelvic floor by conducting both visual and physical examinations, focusing on the vulva, cervix, and fallopian tubes to identify any abnormalities. A lubricated speculum is employed to examine the vagina and cervix; while this procedure may lead to some discomfort, it should not be painful.

Physical Examination

Dr. Ismail Shafik may perform a physical examination to evaluate the pelvic floor, vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries with gynecological issues such as abnormal bleeding, lesions, or cysts. This assessment includes inspecting the vulva for indications of inflammation and utilizing a speculum to widen the vagina to conduct a Pap test.

Dr. Ismail Shafik Method to Treating Pelvic Floor Disorders

A disorder of the pelvic floor may lead to distressing symptoms and complications that disrupt your everyday activities. Dr. Ismail Shafik will collaborate with you to identify the most suitable surgical solution to enhance your well-being.

Method to Treating Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic Floor Surgery

• Laparoscopic colposuspension is performed using fine laparoscopic instrumentation inserted through 4 keyhole incisions across the mid-abdomen
• In cases of pelvic organ prolapse, there is a laxity of vaginal support resulting in protrusion of the pelvic organs. The goal of laparoscopic colposuspension is to resuspend the vagina and associated pelvic organs through the key-hole incisions. In certain circumstances, a simultaneous hysterectomy, bladder suspension, or rectocele repair may be required, all of which can be accomplished through a vaginal approach.

Potential Risks & Complications

Laparoscopic colposuspension is recognized for its high safety profile; however, like any surgical intervention, it carries inherent risks and possible complications. The potential risks include:

• Blood Loss: While the amount of blood loss associated with this procedure is generally less than that experienced in open surgery, a transfusion may still be necessary if considered appropriate, either during the operation or in the postoperative phase.
• All patients receive intravenous antibiotics before the commencement of surgery to reduce the likelihood of infection occurring in the urinary tract or at the incision sites.
• Injury to Adjacent Tissues or Organs: While rare, there is a potential for damage to nearby tissues and organs, such as the intestines, blood vessels, pelvic muscles, and nerves, which may necessitate additional surgical interventions. Additionally, temporary injury to nerves or muscles may arise due to the positioning of the patient during the procedure.
• Hernia: The occurrence of hernias at incision sites is infrequent, as all keyhole incisions are secured under direct visualization during laparoscopic procedures.
• In certain circumstances, the surgical procedure may necessitate a transition to a conventional open surgery if significant challenges arise during the laparoscopic approach, such as excessive scarring or bleeding. This change could lead to a traditional open incision and potentially extend the recovery time.
• Urinary Incontinence: Pre-existing urinary incontinence is generally managed during the surgical procedure through the implementation of a bladder sling suspension. Nevertheless, some minor incontinence may persist, although it usually resolves over time. In certain cases, medication may be necessary.
• Urinary Retention: Similar to urinary incontinence, postoperative urinary retention is rare and typically occurs in patients who have undergone simultaneous bladder sling suspension. In some cases, temporary intermittent self-catheterization may be necessary following the procedure.
• Vesicovaginal fistula: This condition refers to an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina, which is an uncommon complication following pelvic surgeries that involve the vagina, uterus, or bladder. Patients with a vesicovaginal fistula often experience persistent urinary leakage from the vagina. While such fistulas are infrequent, they can be treated either conservatively or through surgical intervention via a vaginal incision.