New Help for Bladder Control Problems
Sutter Tracy Opens Continence Center
2001
Dr. Raymond Leidich and Dr. Stephen Tsang, co directors of the new Sutter Tracy Community Hospital (STCH) Continence Center, are on a mission to help end incontinence (leaky bladder) - a serious problem for many people.
"Women are often told that a leaky bladder is a consequence of aging, hysterectomies, or childbirth and something they just have to live with," says Dr. Tsang. "But that's simply not true. A leaky bladder is not normal."
Getting to the root of the problem
To determine the cause of incontinence, Dr. Leidich and Dr. Tsang and other Center staff use the latest testing equipment, such as video urodynamics - a bladder function test using fluoroscopy, an X-ray technique. The test allows doctors to observe the bladder being filled and emptied. "There are two basic bladder problems. One has to do with storing urine, the other with emptying urine," says Liz Baker, R.N, and certified wound ostomy continence nurse who serves as the Center's program coordinator. "Video urodynamics gives us a clear picture of what's going on."
During the test, medical staff observes the fluoroscopy on a monitor and notes the pressure of the bladder and sphincter muscles, recorded electronically. Information from the test is fed into a computer, which analyses the bladder's function strength, and ability and prints out pictures taken of the bladder. The results tell doctors whether a patient needs surgery and what treatment options would work best.
"The test is a non intrusive way to gather a lot of information in a short period of time," says Dr. Tsang. "It lets us make an exact scientific diagnosis and provide patients with the most effective, least invasive treatment possible."
Before the creation of the Sutter Tracy Continence Center, the nearest medical facilities offering video urodynamics were in Sacramento, Palo Alto, and San Francisco. "I'm very pleased that STCH was willing to spend the money on state-of-the-art equipment, as well as utilize the expertise of Dr. Tsang and Liz Baker," says Dr. Leidich, the innovator behind the new Center. "It shows a real commitment to caring for the health of the community."
Treatment Options
Once the source of the problem is identified, various treatment options - such as biofeedback, medication, and surgery - are considered depending on the type of bladder problem. "Biofeedback helps people identify which muscles are used for urination and helps them become aware of their urinary system. It's basically bladder training and education," says Dr. Tsang. "Many symptoms often disappear after a patient undergoes biofeedback."
Prompted voiding training is also available. The program teaches family members how to help an invalid relative get to and go to the bathroom. Such training often allows these patients to be cared for in their own home rather than in a nursing home.
If surgery is called for, STCH offers the latest technology, including pelvic floor reconstruction. With the rapid advancement of technology many surgical procedures last just 30-60 minutes and can be done on an outpatient basis.
"Treating incontinence gives people their lives back," says Baker "The are healthier and their lives are so much happier. It's the most rewarding job I've ever had."