TriHealth’s Multidisciplinary Pelvic Organ Prolapse Program is Addressing Undertreated Issues in Women’s Care

Pelvic floor complications are often both complex and multifaceted. Unfortunately, far too many women are convinced that these problems are “normal,” especially as they age.

We spoke with urogynecologist Dr. Anna Zdroik and colorectal surgeon Dr. Kristen Coleman, leaders of the Multidisciplinary Pelvic Organ Prolapse Program, to learn more about how their teams work together to help patients treat these consequential but often overlooked issues.

What is the Pelvic Floor Program?

The Multidisciplinary Pelvic Organ Prolapse Program was developed to care for patients experiencing prolapse involving multiple pelvic organs, as well as patients with other complex pelvic floor conditions such as complex fistula or obstructed defecation. It consists mainly of clinicians from both urogynecology and colorectal surgery who collaborate to most effectively and efficiently treat those under their care.

“Our team communicates regularly and coordinates care for these patients so that we can address the pelvic floor disorders more optimally,” says Dr. Zdroik. “With perspectives from Dr. Coleman and myself, we develop a management strategy that is unique to each patient.”

The coordination, however, doesn’t stop at the treatment.

“Our collaborative care involves not only treatment plans, but also streamlining office visits, surgical scheduling and further pelvic floor evaluations with our physical therapy colleagues,” Dr. Zdroik goes on to explain.

Further Benefits

There are many benefits of receiving care with the Multidisciplinary Pelvic Organ Prolapse Program beyond the high level of coordination between disciplines.

In addition to the comprehensive pelvic floor evaluations available through the program, one of the most significant advantages is the combining of surgeries. Having multiple procedures performed simultaneously allows patients to have all their surgical pelvic floor issues addressed at once, which can also help reduce recovery time.

“We know that for prolapse specifically, addressing all compartments of the pelvis at once decreases the risk of recurrence and limits the need for multiple surgeries,” Dr. Coleman says about this advantage. “The program allows women to receive comprehensive and individualized care for their pelvic floor pathologies.”

This coordination can be especially helpful for patients with complex pelvic floor disorders that need multi-disciplinary care. The Multidisciplinary Pelvic Organ Prolapse Program was designed with this in mind—shared care between urogynecology and colorectal surgery that helps prevent patients from getting lost in the system.

Filling Gaps in Care—Why the Program is Important

Evidence-based medicine and research suggests that collaboration between urogynecology and colorectal surgery in combined pelvic floor disorders has led to long-term success in symptom improvement.

But to the leaders of the program, having the treatment available isn’t enough—they’re hoping for an increase in awareness, as well.

“I want patients to know that these issues are not just ‘normal’ parts of aging, and that there are therapies that can improve their quality of life,” Dr. Coleman explains. “All women deserve full-spectrum and individual care, and that is what we’re here to provide.”

As for the work itself, it has been very rewarding… even if the team is only getting started.

“The Multidisciplinary Pelvic Organ Prolapse Program is important to me because of the positive impact we have on women that may have lost hope that their symptoms could ever be fixed,” Dr. Zdroik says about the program’s mission. “We instill confidence and trust in our patients through a team approach and informed decision making—the patient is part of the team too, and it’s very rewarding to witness their progress.”

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