FPMRS – Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Our Surgeons are Double Board-Certified Urogynecologists
Urogynecology is a subspecialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology that focuses on disorders of the female pelvic floor such as pelvic organ prolapse (bulging out of the uterus and/or vagina), urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and constipation.
Cherokee Women’s Health has two double board-certified urogynecologists who are experts in treating pelvic prolapse, incontinence, and pelvic pain.
Dr. Litrel and Dr. Haley were among the first specialists in the nation to qualify, pass the exam, and receive the board certification. They are among the few board-certified urogynecologists in private practice in the N. Georgia area.
Women used to have to see multiple specialists depending on the location of their issue. A problem with the bladder—in the front of the pelvis—may be referred to a urologist, the middle section involving the uterus can be seen by the gynecologist and a colorectal surgeon may deal with rectum problems. Yet, all of these organs share the same connective tissue, the same nerves, and the same blood supply. Anything done to one is going to affect another. The awareness of this is how the subspecialty of urogynecology came about to create an expertise that masters the entire pelvis.
Urogynecologists Have More Experience and Expertise in Pelvic Floor Surgery
Our highly trained urogynecologists provide comprehensive care from routine examinations to sophisticated diagnostic tests and surgical treatment for complex problems. Our specialists consult with each patient to design an individualized care management plan based on various diagnostic and treatment options.
Issues treated may include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Pelvic pain
Dr. Litrel and Dr. Haley believe in providing the least invasive surgical options, which may include a vaginal approach, laparoscopic or robotic techniques to minimize patients’ recovery times. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery may have less postoperative pain and faster recoveries compared to open abdominal surgery. Our surgeons are experienced in the most up-to-date surgical techniques and technology.
Symptoms of Pelvic Disorders
If you have a pelvic disorder, you may experience:
- A feeling of pressure
- Urinary or fecal leakage
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Inability to empty bladder
Pelvic Disorders Are Common, But Treatable
The National Institutes of Health estimates one-third of women in the U.S. will experience pelvic disorders in their lifetime. A large study presented at the American Urogynecologic Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting in 2013 reported that a woman’s lifetime risk of surgery for stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse is 20%, almost twice the risk previously reported two decades ago.
Board-certified urogynecologists see and treat these issues with greater frequency than non-specialists which results in the highest chance of long-term success. For example, with a traditional surgery for a prolapse repair (native tissue bladder repair), the failure rate is approximately 30%. But a subspecialist with advanced training can perform a surgery such as sacrocolpopexy with a success rate of 88% to 92%. For moderate issues a routine repair is standard, but more advanced conditions call for a surgeon with more advanced training.
Why Should You Care About FPMRS Certification?
Not all physicians are board-certified in a specialty. The certification reflects the vigorous training and performance required to achieve a high level of expertise. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) cites numerous studies that have demonstrated that physicians who are board-certified “deliver higher quality care and have better patient care outcomes than physicians who are not board-certified.”
Physicians who are board-certified “deliver higher quality care and have better patient care outcomes than physicians who are not board-certified.”
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) approved board-certification for Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in 2012 to “verify appropriate training, knowledge and credentials in the field.” Physicians had to meet strict criteria to be permitted to sit for the board in 2013.
After years spent developing criteria for assessing quality care, the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Urology in 2013 granted its first certifications in the specialty of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery to qualified urogynecologists.
Patients Travel From All Over to Visit Cherokee Women’s Health
Patients travel to Cherokee Women’s Health from all over to receive compassionate care and surgical expertise from our world-class, double board-certified physicians.
Don’t Suffer in Silence—Most Issues Can Be Corrected
Urogynecology specialists are experts in treating pelvic health issues and offer a variety of options—both surgical and non-surgical—for restoring quality of life.
If you have questions about your gynecological health or would like to consult with one of our specialists, please call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment at either our Woodstock or Canton location.
