Urogynecology Experts Collaborate to Provide Top Care for Patients
Elise De, MD, and Gillian Wolff, MD, want to improve understanding of urogynecological health, starting with the following facts:
- Urinary incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging.
- Vaginal prolapse can happen to any woman—regardless of age and whether she carried children.
- Pain during sexual intercourse is not normal.
“A lot of women think that incontinence or prolapse (vaginal bulge) are part of the aging process,” said Dr. Wolff, urogynecologist at Albany Medical Center and Glens Falls Hospital. “While it’s more common as women age, there are excellent treatments so women don’t have to live with the symptoms.”
Dr. De and Dr. Wolff, both urologists fellowship-trained in urogynecology, neurourology, and reconstructive pelvic surgery, are part of the Albany Med Health System’s urogynecology team focused on women’s pelvic health.
Urogynecology is multidisciplinary by definition. Erin Deverdis, MD, who is a urogynecologist trained in obstetrics and gynecology, said the System’s urogynecology program is more comprehensive than anything she’s experienced. “The amount of collaboration between OB/GYN and urology we engage in clinically and in research is pretty unique—it’s one of the things I really love about being here.”
Dr. Deverdis gave an example: A patient came to Dr. Wolff with urinary pain; she was referred to Dr. Deverdis due to post-menopausal bleeding; an examination found cancer; and the patient was quickly connected with gynecologic oncology for surgery.
“If we weren’t so collaborative, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish such expedited care,” said Dr. Deverdis, noting the urogynecology team, including Bradley Jacobs, MD, and Rebecca Rogers, MD, meets weekly to discuss patient cases and coordinate care, as appropriate.
Dr. De explained that since people with pelvic health problems often have more than one organ causing symptoms, a full range of services is available to System patients. Urogynecologists collaborate with colleagues in other specialties, from neurology to colorectal surgery to physical therapy to solve quality of life issues. The teams work together in clinic, conference, in complicated surgical repairs, and in academic publications to improve the pelvic health of all genders in the Capital Region and beyond.
Before the first visit, patients fill out forms that help the physicians understand the full picture. “We don’t want to miss something—like the patient has been having falls, which could indicate a spine issue, or multisystem pain, which may lead us in another direction,” said Dr. De. She also encourages patients to sign up for MyChart to help understand their health.
With the expanding use of the Epic electronic medical record throughout the System, clinicians can more seamlessly collaborate. Dr. De added, “We feel like we are the next office over to our colleagues in Saratoga, Glens Falls, and Columbia Memorial, allowing patients to access coordinated care in new, more convenient ways.”
Edward Marici, DO, a urogynecologist based at Columbia Memorial Health’s Women’s Health Center, added, “As a physician focused on women’s minimally invasive surgery, I am proud to provide state of the art minimally invasive gynecological procedures for women in my community, and to work with my colleagues at Albany Medical Center and throughout the System to make sure our patients are getting the best care, close to home.”