FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2005
Contact: Cyndi Alvarado (936) 760-7860
The Woodlands, TX -- The National Association for Continence (NAFC) estimates that 25 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. Among the many solutions for stress-induced female urinary incontinence, including medications and therapeutic exercises, a relatively new procedure is getting increasing attention. It is most often called TVT, short for Transvaginal Tape. In an outpatient procedure, usually lasting about 30 minutes, the physician inserts a transvaginal "sling" made of tension-free tape that provides the support that weakened pelvic-floor muscles need in order to adequately support continence and voluntary bladder control. A task force sponsored by the American Urological Association concluded that the "sling" operation is one of the two most successful surgical solutions for female stress-induced urinary incontinence, with an 80- to 90-percent cure rate. The outpatient procedure involves local anesthesia, two miniature 1/3-inch incisions, and the insertion of the transvaginal "sling."
Either urologists or gynecologists who have completed special training in the procedure can perform this minimally invasive surgery. Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Donald Eckhardt, Jr., of Sadler Clinic, has been performing incontinent surgery for over ten years. "The TVT procedure is making a tremendous difference in the urinary and gynecological health of women. There's no longer a reason for otherwise healthy women who suffer from stress-induced urinary incontinence to have to wear pads every day or worry that lifting or even just laughing can cause an embarrassing situation for them." Dr. Eckhardt, who earned his MD degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, joined Sadler Clinic in 1996.
Anyone wanting to know more information on the TVT procedure is welcome to attend Dr. Eckhardt's free presentation on Saturday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Future Court on the first level of The Woodlands Mall. Dr. Eckhardt will discuss the procedure and answer questions from the audience.