Urogynaecology

Around one in four women is affected by bladder weakness at some point in their lives. It is a subject that many are reluctant to discuss. In the Department of Urogynaecology at Zuger Kantonsspital, we treat bladder weakness, incontinence and prolapse of the bladder and uterus with empathy and discretion, using the latest medical techniques.

What is urogynaecology?

Urogynaecology is a specialist field at the intersection of gynaecology and urology. It deals with functional disorders of the pelvic floor in women. These include urinary incontinence, recurrent bladder infections and prolapse of the bladder and uterus. The aim is to identify the specific causes, provide the correct treatment and, as a result, significantly improve your quality of life.

Diagnosis and assessment

Every course of treatment begins with a thorough assessment. Through a personal consultation and targeted examinations, we determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

In most cases, simple steps are sufficient: a detailed consultation, a gynaecological examination, and an ultrasound and urine test. If this basic assessment is not sufficient, we carry out an extended, instrument-based bladder assessment. This is known as urodynamics and involves pressure measurements in the bladder and urethra, bladder capacity measurements, a cystoscopy and the measurement of bladder emptying.

Your treatment plan

We draw up your treatment plan together with you, tailored to your symptoms, the results of the examinations mentioned above and your everyday life. We often begin with conservative measures such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, pessary treatment or local oestrogen therapy.

In cases of urge incontinence, medication is used as a supplementary treatment or – if necessary – bladder instillations and Botox injections into the bladder. If conservative methods do not produce the desired result, a minimally invasive procedure may be an option.

Why choose Zuger Kantonsspital?

Bladder and pelvic floor problems often have multiple causes. That is why our team of specialists from gynaecology, urology, proctology, neurology, psychology and physiotherapy work closely together. This interdisciplinary collaboration enables a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored precisely to your needs.

Services

Bladder pressure measurement (urodynamics; examination of bladder function using pressure probes and electrodes)
Conservative pelvic floor therapy (physiotherapy)
Treatment of acute and recurrent cystitis (medication, bladder irrigation/instillation, advice on preventative measures)
Conservative treatment of urinary incontinence (medication, pessaries, local therapy, bladder instillations)
Minimally invasive incontinence surgery, such as sling procedures (TVT, TOT) and bulking agents (Bulkamid) for stress incontinence, and botulinum toxin injections into the bladder for urge incontinence
Vaginal prolapse surgery, with or without mesh, for bladder, uterine and rectal prolapse
Laparoscopic surgery for prolapse, in some cases using robot-assisted techniques, for bladder, uterine and rectal prolapse
Treatment for bowel movement disorders
Intimpflegeberatung
Bladder and Pelvic Floor Clinic (Urogynaecological Clinic)

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should I get my bladder weakness checked out?

As soon as involuntary urine leakage starts to affect your daily life or cause you distress, it is worth getting it checked out, regardless of your age. In many cases, bladder weakness can be treated effectively. The sooner the cause is identified, the more precisely the appropriate treatment can be selected.

Does bladder weakness always require surgery?

No, in many cases, conservative treatments such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, pessary treatment or medication are effective. A minimally invasive procedure is only considered if these methods prove insufficient.

Is an instrumental bladder examination painful?

No. Although the comprehensive, instrument-based bladder assessment is more involved than a basic examination, it is painless. It helps us to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and to plan your treatment in a targeted manner.

What is the difference between stress incontinence and urge incontinence?

Stress incontinence involves the involuntary leakage of urine during physical exertion – such as coughing, laughing or lifting. With urge incontinence, there is a sudden, almost uncontrollable urge to urinate. The exact type of incontinence determines the appropriate treatment, which is why a thorough assessment is important.

Can a prolapsed bladder or uterus be treated without surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Pelvic floor physiotherapy or pessary treatment can significantly alleviate the symptoms of prolapse. Whether surgery is advisable depends on the extent of the prolapse and your personal symptoms.