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The ureteral reimplantation procedure is a surgical intervention designed to correct a condition known as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR occurs when urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This backflow can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and, if left untreated, potentially cause kidney damage. This article provides essential information for patients considering this procedure at our physicians’ hospital in Webster.

Understanding Ureteral Reimplantation

Normally, the ureters connect to the bladder in a way that prevents urine from flowing back up toward the kidneys. However, in individuals with VUR, this connection is faulty. Ureteral reimplantation surgery aims to create a new, more effective connection, resolving the reflux and protecting the kidneys. The procedure involves detaching the ureter from its current position on the bladder, creating a new tunnel within the bladder wall, and reattaching the ureter within this tunnel. This new positioning ensures that the bladder muscle compresses the ureter during urination, preventing backflow.

Before the Procedure

Before undergoing ureteral reimplantation, a thorough evaluation by a urologist in Webster, TX, is necessary. This typically includes:

• Medical History and Physical Exam:Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination.
• Imaging Tests:Ultrasound, VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram), or other imaging studies may be used to assess the severity of the reflux and the anatomy of your urinary tract.
• Urine Tests:These tests can help identify any existing infections.

Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding:

• Medications:You may need to adjust or temporarily stop taking certain medications before surgery.
• Fasting:You’ll receive instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.

During the Procedure

Ureteral reimplantation is performed under general anesthesia. The surgical approach can vary, but common methods include:

• Open Surgery:This involves a small incision in the lower abdomen.
• Laparoscopic Surgery:This minimally invasive approach uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon.
• Robotic Surgery:This is similar to laparoscopic surgery, but with robotic assistance for enhanced precision.

The specific technique used will depend on individual factors and the surgeon’s expertise. The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours. A catheter will be placed to drain urine from the bladder during the initial recovery period.

After the Procedure

Following surgery, you can expect:

• Hospital Stay:Typically, a 1-to-2-day hospital stay is required.
• Pain Management:Pain medication will be provided to manage any discomfort.
• Catheter:The catheter will remain in place for a short period to allow for healing.
• Activity Restrictions:You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.
• Follow-up:Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and ensure the procedure’s success.

Finding the Right Care

If you or a loved one is considering ureteral reimplantation, finding an experienced urologist in Webster, TX, is essential. Houston Physician’s Hospital offers comprehensive urological care, with skilled surgeons experienced in performing this procedure.

On the Urology services page, you can scroll down and find a urologist who’s right for you. Then click their link to visit their website and make an appointment.

Hormonal disorders in women can significantly impact various aspects of health, and one of the most concerning consequences is infertility. Hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the ability to conceive. When these hormones are imbalanced, it can disrupt the delicate process necessary for pregnancy. This blog aims to provide information on hormonal disorders affecting women’s fertility and their symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.

Understanding Hormonal Imbalance and Infertility

Hormonal imbalances and disorders in women occur when there is too much or too little of one or more hormones in the bloodstream. These imbalances can affect the complex processes involved in female reproduction. For instance, hormones regulate the growth and release of an egg, the movement of the egg through the fallopian tube, and the thickening of the uterine lining for implantation. Any disruption in these hormonal signals can make it difficult to conceive.

Common Hormonal Disorders Affecting Fertility

Several hormonal disorders can lead to infertility in women. The most common disorders that we treat at our Webster Speciality hospital, include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility. It causes a hormone imbalance that affects ovulation. Women with PCOS may have high levels of androgens, which can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne.
• Hypothalamic Dysfunction:The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain produce hormones that stimulate ovulation. Stress, weight fluctuations, and other factors can disrupt the production of these hormones, leading to irregular or absent periods.
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI):Also known as premature ovarian failure, POI occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and lower estrogen production before age 40.
• Hyperprolactinemia:Excess production of prolactin by the pituitary gland can reduce estrogen production and interfere with ovulation.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

The symptoms of hormonal imbalance can vary depending on the specific disorder. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Heavy or painful periods
• Spotting between periods
• Increased hair growth on the face, neck, chest, or back
• Acne
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Infertility

Diagnosis and Testing

If you are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, your doctor at our League city surgical hospital, may recommend hormone testing to check for imbalances. This typically involves blood tests to measure the levels of various hormones, including:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• Prolactin
• Thyroid hormoneManagement Strategies

Treatment for hormonal imbalances and disorders that might cause infertility depends on the underlying cause. Common management strategies include:

• Medications:Medications can help regulate hormone levels, induce ovulation, or treat specific conditions like PCOS.
• Lifestyle Modifications:Weight loss, diet changes, and regular exercise can sometimes help normalize hormone levels and improve fertility.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):If other treatments are unsuccessful, ART procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be an option.

Seeking Help

If you are concerned about hormonal disorders and their impact on your fertility, it’s important to seek medical advice. A gynecologist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your infertility and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Houston Physicians’ Hospital is a hospital in Webster, TX, that offers comprehensive gynecological services. Finding the right healthcare provider is crucial for addressing hormonal disorders and achieving your reproductive goals. You can explore our website to find a qualified gynecologist who can provide personalized care and support.

The physicians at Houston Physicians Hospital specialize in hormonal disorders in women. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment strategies to help those struggling with infertility and imbalances.

On the Reproductive Health services page, you can scroll down and find a gynecologist who’s right for you. Then click their link to visit their website and make an appointment.

Voiding dysfunction refers to a range of conditions that affect the bladder’s ability to store and release urine. This can manifest as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, incontinence, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Understanding the available treatment options at our surgical hospital in Webster is crucial for managing this condition and improving quality of life.

Conservative Therapies

For mild to moderate cases, conservative approaches are often the first line of treatment used by our urologists in Webster, TX. These methods aim to improve bladder control and function without invasive procedures.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Changes in diet and fluid intake can significantly impact bladder function. Reducing consumption of caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics, can decrease urinary frequency and urgency. Managing fluid intake, especially before bedtime, can also help.
• Bladder Training: This technique involves scheduled voiding to retrain the bladder to hold more urine. Over time, the intervals between bathroom visits are gradually increased.
• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can improve bladder control and reduce incontinence. A physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction can provide guidance and support.
• Medications: Several medications can help manage the symptoms of voiding dysfunction. Alpha-blockers can relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. Anticholinergics can reduce bladder spasms and urgency.

Interventional Treatments

If conservative therapies are not sufficient, more interventional treatments may be considered.

• Botox Injections: Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the bladder muscle can help relax it and reduce urgency and frequency. This treatment is typically used for overactive bladder.
• Neuromodulation: This therapy involves stimulating nerves that control bladder function. Sacral neuromodulation uses a small implanted device to send electrical impulses to the sacral nerves in the lower back. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a less invasive technique that stimulates the tibial nerve in the ankle.
• Catheterization: For individuals who have difficulty emptying their bladder completely, intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) may be necessary. This involves inserting a thin tube into the urethra to drain urine.

Surgical Options

In some cases, surgery may be required to address the underlying causes of voiding dysfunction.

• Urethral Dilation: This procedure widens a narrowed urethra, making it easier to urinate.
• Artificial Urinary Sphincter: This device is surgically implanted to control urine flow in individuals with severe incontinence.
• Sling Surgery: This procedure is primarily used to treat stress urinary incontinence in women. A strip of mesh is placed under the urethra to provide support.

Finding the Right Care

Voiding dysfunction affects more and more Americans, but your doctor can help you find releif. If you are experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a urologist in Webster, TX, to determine the right course of action for your specific condition. Our Webster surgical hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for a wide range of urological issues.

To find a qualified urologist and explore treatment options, consider visiting Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s website.

On the Urology services page, you can scroll down and find a urologist who’s right for you. Then click their link to visit their website and make

The pituitary gland, a diminutive but indispensable endocrine gland nestled at the base of the brain, plays a pivotal role in regulating a myriad of essential bodily functions. This master gland secretes a variety of hormones that govern growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and fluid balance.

Pituitary tumors, abnormal growths that develop on the pituitary gland, can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance orchestrated by this gland, leading to a spectrum of health complications. While not all pituitary tumors necessitate surgical intervention, surgery remains a critical treatment modality in specific clinical scenarios.

Understanding Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors are predominantly benign, i.e., they are noncancerous growths that do not typically spread to other parts of the body. However, their location and their potential to interfere with pituitary function make them a significant health concern.

Pituitary tumors are classified into two main categories, based on their hormonal activity:

• Functioning Tumors:These tumors are characterized by their ability to secrete excess amounts of one or more pituitary hormones.
• Nonfunctioning Tumors:These tumors, in contrast, do not secrete excess hormones. They may remain asymptomatic for extended periods and are often discovered incidentally during imaging studies performed for other reasons.

The Diagnostic Pathway for Pituitary Tumors

The diagnosis of a pituitary tumor typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, hormonal testing, and advanced imaging techniques:

• Hormone Tests:Blood and urine tests are essential to measure the levels of various pituitary hormones and identify any hormonal excesses or deficiencies.
• Imaging Tests:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard imaging modality for visualizing the pituitary gland and detecting pituitary tumors.
• Vision Tests:Visual field testing is performed to assess for any visual impairments caused by compression of the optic nerves.

When Is Surgery the Answer?

The decision to pursue surgery for a pituitary tumor is a complex one, requiring careful consideration of several factors.

Surgery is typically considered when:

• The Tumor Is Causing Significant Symptoms:When the tumor is responsible for bothersome or debilitating symptoms, such as persistent headaches, vision problems, or hormonal imbalances that are not adequately controlled with medication, surgery may be recommended to alleviate these symptoms.
• The Tumor Is Compressing the Optic Nerves and Threatening Vision:Compression of the optic nerves poses a serious risk to vision. Surgery is often necessary to decompress the optic nerves and prevent or reverse vision loss.
• The Tumor Is a Functioning Tumor That Is Producing Excess Hormones:In cases where a functioning tumor is secreting excess hormones and causing significant health problems, surgery may be performed to remove the tumor and restore normal hormone levels.

Surgical Approaches to Pituitary Tumors

The surgical approach to a pituitary tumor depends on its size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures.

The two main surgical techniques are:

• Transsphenoidal Surgery:This is the most common and preferred surgical approach for most pituitary tumors. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves accessing the pituitary gland through the nasal passages and sphenoid sinus (an air-filled space behind the nasal cavity).
• Craniotomy:In rare cases, a craniotomy, which involves opening the skull, may be necessary for very large or complex tumors that cannot be safely removed through the transsphenoidal approach.

Seeking Expert Care

If you have been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor or are experiencing symptoms that may suggest a pituitary tumor, it is important to seek evaluation and treatment from a specialized medical center with expertise in pituitary disorders.

The physicians at Houston Physicians Hospital can help.

On the page of Neurosurgery and Spine Specialist in Webster, you can scroll down and find a physician who’s right for you. Then click their link to visit their website and make an appointment.