Expert discusses pelvic pain and vesicovaginal fistula

In this video, Gamal M. Ghoniem, MD, FACS, ABU/FPMRS, discusses pelvic pain and vesicovaginal fistula. Ghoniem is Emeritus Professor of Urology at UCI School of Medicine.

Transcription:

What are some underreported aspects of female urology?

I think what you don't know, you don't see. That's the principle. I think pelvic pain is 1 of the areas that really needs more attention. And I know many young investigators are looking into that recently, but there is no real breakthrough to control pain, painful bladder and so on. I think that area really needs more attention. I'd like to see also many young urologists in the field go overseas and work on vesicovaginal fistula, to have the experience and to see the extent [of it]. It's a very devastating condition for young women...Having experience in that would be very good for younger urologists and gynecologists in the field. Traveling abroad to the developing countries like in Africa and Asia also. This is a huge problem; the WHO supported efforts in [this area], but women suffering from this is really a big problem. These are young women who get married early and have a baby. And then, as you know, not every area is close to a medical center or a hospital. So they have a problem getting there. Whether they go buy a cart, or whatever, it takes time. So it's a prolonged labor. And that produces pressure on the bottom of the bladder and necrosis, sloughing, and then a fistula happens between the bladder and vagina. It has a lot of effects and social effects. A lot of men will divorce them; [the women] become outcasts in their community. That would be a good area to get trained to do. There are many fistula centers in Africa and Asia and, I encourage [urologists] to look for them.

This transcription was edited for clarity.