Friday, January 7, 2011

So what is my job

It seems only fair after the last post to describe what a specialist in Pelvic Reconstruction does. First, the terms "vaginal rejuvination" and "designer vagina" are not recognized by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist and the procedures are also not sanctioned (although they are commonly presented on a certain TV real life series). So while it may be sort of funny to think of titles for cosmetic surgery of the vagina, that's really not what I am training to do.

Reconstruction is not synonomous with cosmetic. In fact the patients I'll be focusing on are patients with fecal or urinary incontinence and/or vaginal, urethral, bladder, uterine or rectal prolapse. These problems often occur from childbirth and are certainly not funny. And where medical care is limited, women can also develop fistulas from traumatic childbirth.

Sometime I'll write more about why I've chosen to focus on medical issues that predominantly impact quality of life, but for now I hope that clarifies my future area of expertise.

2 comments:

Ben said...

S, Have you read "Cutting for Stone"? One of the brothers in that book researches/works in a similar area of gynecology and also in Africa. You might find it interesting if you've never read it. (It's fiction and not primarily about that, but still...)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sara,
I am praying for your studies, your travel and the time you will be writing your boards - if there is an oral component, I'll be praying for that too. I am so excited to hear that you will be joining our group at Madelle's later this month. How great it will be to finally meet you.

Wishing you and the girls all the best,
Kathy in Bend