Female Urology, Urogynecology, and Voiding Dysfunction PDF

Preface

There has been a convergence of the sub-specialties of female urology and urogynecology over the last several years. This development has resulted in improved care for women, as we have had to "escalate" our own knowledge and abilities. Recently, we have even seen fellowship training transcend towards this multidisciplinary goal by the creation of joint accredited fellowship programs in female urology and urogynecology. These programs have as their primary aim to create the thought leaders of tomorrow in women's health by creating a unique group of physicians who see the "whole" patient and can treat them accordingly. It is evident that there is a strong need for more subspecialization in the field with the aging population and prevalence of incontinence and pelvic floor disorders that is present worldwide. This book speaks to the combined nature of our practices that has emanated from this approach.

We have sought to have some of the top thought leaders and experts from around the world to contribute to this publication. Furthermore, these authors embody some of the exact principles, which establish our sub-specialties as being progressive and forward thinking in their approaches to the various disease processes and disorder that we treat. One of the prevailing undertones of our book speaks to the fact that there are many ways in which to treat any single disorder. We have, therefore, had several chapters written by physicians or subspecialists who may do things differently to present contradictory views. The purpose is more than to be controversial, but rather to give an entrance point for those wishing to advance the field and aim for the utopian dream of literal cures for incontinence and other women's disorders.

We all have much to learn in this area of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders. It is our hope that this book will help to build on the currently existing framework and provide a platform towards better understanding of the disease processes that affect so many of our patients.