Glossary

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Abdomen – an area in the anterior or front part of the body, located between the chest and the pelvis.

Anterior Colporrhaphy – an operation involving placating (folding) and suturing of the anterior wall of the vagina. This surgical technique can provide support to the anterior wall of the vagina and the bladder. This is also known as an anterior repair.

Biofeedback Therapy - Biofeedback is a learning technique that utilizes specialized equipment to assist a person in gaining control of their natural body functions. It involves the monitoring of a life process (bio) and the return of that information to the patient and therapist in a meaningful form (feedback).

Bladder – an organ located in the anterior part of the pelvic cavity. It functions to allow the storage and evacuation of urine. The muscular walls of the bladder contract to force urine from the body. The bladder is supported by the anterior wall of the vagina and its associated attachments to pelvic sidewalls.

Bladder Retraining – Behavioral techniques used in order to gain control of urination.

Catheterization – A technique involving the insertion of a flexible tube for the withdrawal of body fluids. A catheter can manage the drainage of urine from the bladder.

Culdeplasty - a surgical technique that repairs an enterocele.

Cystocele – prolapse/descent or protrusion of the anterior vaginal (top) wall when blabber being intimately connected to it descends as well into the vaginal space.

Cystoscopy – a diagnostic procedure using a small tube which works like a telescope. It allows the doctor to look inside of your urethra and bladder for any structural abnormalities.

Enterocele – An enterocele is a true hernia of small intestines into the vaginal space, usually between the rectum and uterus or bladder if uterus was removed.

Functional incontinence – incontinence due to a person’s inability to gain access to a toilet. This can be due to mental or physical impairment.

Hysterectomy – surgical removal of the uterus. After the removal of the uterus, a woman has no more menstrual periods. A partial hysterectomy means removal of the body of the uterus but leaving a cervix is left in place. With a total hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the entire uterus and cervix.

Incontinence – the involuntary/uncontrolled loss or leakage of urine or stool.

Laparoscopic – describes procedures done through small incisions in the abdominal wall using a camera transmitting images to a video monitor.

Manometry - a diagnostic test to obtain pressure measurements. Anal Manometry evaluates the function of the rectum and anal sphincter.

Mixed urinary incontinence – the demonstration of both stress and urge incontinence.

Oophorectomy – the surgical removal of the ovaries.

Ovaries – oval organs within the pelvic cavity usually attached to uterus and secrete hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries also contain the cells that, when fertilized, may develop into an embryo within the uterus.

Overflow urinary incontinence – urine leakage from the bladder because the bladder does not empty properly or completely due to overfill of the bladder. Associated symptoms include frequent voiding, dribbling, or hesitancy in the initiation or flow of urine.

Paraurethral Injections of Bulking agent – a surgical procedure that involves injecting a medicated substance such as bovine collagen or carbon beads around the urethra. This treatment allows the urethra to close more effectively during times of increased abdominal pressure, preventing the leakage of urine. This is done using local or general anesthesia.

Pelvic Floor Muscles – muscles located between the back, front and sides of the pelvic bones and “create pelvic floor”. These muscles support the pelvic organs. They are involved in the control of urination and bowel elimination, as well as the sexual response.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises – the repetitive contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. Introduced by Arnold Kegel, MD, these exercises have been shown to improve the supportive function of the muscles, as well as control in urination and bowel elimination.

Pelvis – the part of the body bounded anteriorly and laterally by the hip bones. The pelvis supports the weight of internal organs in the upper part of the body.

Pessary – devices placed in the vagina to support the prolapse of pelvic organs. To see pictures of these devices, click on Pessaries.

Posterior Colporrhaphy – an operation involving placating (folding) and suturing of the posterior wall of the vagina. This surgical procedure can provide support to the rectum. This is also known as a posterior repair.

Post–Void Residual Urine Volume (PVR) - the measurement of the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination is complete. It is used to determine the retention of urine. A bladder ultrasound (image made from outside the body using sound waves) can be used. Often, a thin, flexible tube may be inserted through the urethra to drain and measure any residual urine.

Prolapse – the displacement of an organ from its normal position.

Rectocele – prolapse or protrusion of the rectum into the vaginal space.

Rectum – part of the large bowel/intestines that stores feces. It is located in the pelvic cavity, just before the anus. The anus is the lowest part of the digestive tract. It controls the elimination of feces from the body.

Sphincteroplasty – A surgical technique designed to restore integrity and function to a circular muscle or sphincter, such as the anal sphincter.

Stress incontinence – the involuntary/uncontrolled loss of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as lifting, coughing or sneezing.

Urethra – a structure in the pelvis located above the vaginal opening in the female. It is a tube-like structure that extends from the bladder. It functions to carry urine to the outside of the body. The outer opening of the urethra is surrounded by circular muscle, called a sphincter.

Urethrolysis – a surgical procedure to "loosen" a prior suspension of the urethra.

Urethropexy – a surgical procedure where a support of the urethra is recreated means of suturing surrounding vaginal tissues to pubic bones.

Urge incontinence – incontinence that occurs when urine leaks after a person is aware of the need to urinate, but they are unable to control the loss of urine before they reach the toilet. It is sometimes called an overactive bladder.

Urinalysis – a lab analysis of components and substances found in urine.

Urinary (Voiding) Diary – documentation of the time, amount (and other data) related to voiding. It is collected to review the controlled and uncontrolled loss of urine and fluid consumption.

Urodynamic Testing – the study of the function and dysfunction of the lower urinary tract. It is a combination of several tests. It is not painful. The results from this test may help determine the cause of incontinence and guidance toward effective treatment. To find out more click on Urodynamic Evaluation.

Uterine Prolapse – the "falling" or the displacement of the uterus from its normal position and sometimes beyond vaginal introitus.

Uterus – a muscular organ located in the female pelvic cavity. It is the place where an embryo and fetus develops, also known as the womb.

Vagina – a canal of smooth muscle in the female pelvic floor that is normally located between the bladder and rectum. The outer opening of the vagina is located between the urethra and anus and called introitus. Vagina functions as the birth canal. It is a smooth muscle canal for sexual intercourse as well.

Vaginal vault suspension – a surgical procedure to provide support for the apex/vault of the vagina to various pelvic structures.

Void – to urinate or expel urine from the bladder.

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