Urogeynecologist

Medical Malpractice with Baltimore Urogynecologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

Urogynecology is a subspecialty of both gynecology and urology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female pelvic floor. This includes conditions that can generally impact bladder function, bowel function, and sexual function. However, medical malpractice can occur. If you have been injured, you may need Baltimore urogynecologist lawyer Mark Kopec at the Kopec law firm.

What is a Urogynecologist?

Urogynecologists are physicians who focus specifically on the female pelvic floor. They possess knowledge of both gynecology and urology, allowing them to provide care for pelvic health issues.

Education and Training

• Medical School: Firstly, Urogynecologists complete four years of medical school, earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
• Residency: Afterward, they undergo a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
• Fellowship: Following residency, they complete a two-year fellowship in urogynecology. This training focuses on surgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and also the management of pelvic floor disorders.

Licensing and Board Certification

• Medical License: All urogynecologists must be specifically licensed to practice medicine in the state where they work.
• Board Certification: Board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery is also available.

Patients Seen by Urogynecologists

Urogynecologists treat a wide range of patients, including:

• Women of all ages, from adolescents to postmenopausal women.
• Women who have undergone pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy.
• Women who have experienced childbirth, which can then weaken pelvic floor muscles.

Common Symptoms

• Urinary Incontinence:
  • Stress incontinence: Leakage of urine during physical exertion (e.g., coughing, sneezing, laughing).
  • Urge incontinence: Sudden, strong urges to urinate, then often followed by involuntary leakage.
  • Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and also urge incontinence.
  • Overflow incontinence: Difficulty completely emptying the bladder.  
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Descent of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) into the vagina.
• Fecal Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements.
• Painful Intercourse: Dyspareunia can be caused by various pelvic floor conditions.
• Rectovaginal Fistula: An abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina.
• Vesicovaginal Fistula: An abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina.

Baltimore urogynecologist lawyer Mark Kopec will assess your symptoms and the doctor’s response, then advise you on a potential medical malpractice claim.

Medical Conditions Treated by Urogynecologists

• Urinary Incontinence: Stress incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, and also overflow incontinence.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Cystocele (bladder prolapse), rectocele (rectal prolapse), uterine prolapse.
• Fecal Incontinence
• Pelvic Pain: Chronic pelvic pain syndromes, vulvodynia.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, low libido.
• Fistulas: Rectovaginal fistulas, vesicovaginal fistulas.

Diagnostic Tests

• Physical Examination: A thorough pelvic exam is crucial for diagnosing pelvic floor disorders.
• Urinalysis and Urine Culture: To rule out urinary tract infections.
• Urodynamic Testing: Measures bladder function, including bladder capacity, pressure, and flow rates.
• Cystoscopy: A visual examination of the bladder using a small camera.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) System: A standardized system for measuring the degree of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Imaging Studies:
  • Ultrasound: To visualize pelvic organs.
  • MRI: Can provide detailed images of pelvic structures.

Treatments – Baltimore Urogynecologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

• Conservative Treatments:
  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Strengthens pelvic floor muscles and improves coordination.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, dietary changes (e.g., limiting caffeine and alcohol), bladder training.
  • Medications:
    • Medications to treat overactive bladder.
    • Medications to improve bladder emptying.
    • Topical estrogen for vaginal dryness.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures:
  • Midurethral Sling: A surgical procedure to support the urethra and also treat stress incontinence.
  • Sacral Neuromodulation: Involves implanting a device to stimulate nerves that specifically control bladder function.
  • Botox Injections: Can be injected into the bladder muscle to treat overactive bladder.
• Surgical Procedures:
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair: Surgical procedures to correct prolapse of the pelvic organs.
  • Fistula Repair: Surgical procedures to close abnormal connections between organs.

Where Urogynecologists Work

Urogynecologists generally work in:

• Hospitals
• Private Practices
• Academic Medical Centers
• Women’s Health Centers

Collaboration with Other Medical Professionals

Urogynecologists often collaborate with other doctors and healthcare providers, including:

• Primary Care Physicians
• Gynecologists
• Urologists
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists
• Nurses
• Psychologists/Counselors

Medical Malpractice Claims with Baltimore Urogynecologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

Medical malpractice claims against urogynecologists can arise from a variety of circumstances, including:

• Surgical Errors:
  • Improper surgery technique.
  • Failure to obtain informed consent.
  • Bad outcomes from surgery, such as infection, nerve damage, or organ injury.
• Diagnostic Errors:
  • Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of a pelvic floor disorder.
  • Failure to order or interpret necessary tests.
• Treatment Errors:
  • Prescribing inappropriate medications.
  • Performing ineffective or harmful treatments.
  • Failing to provide appropriate follow-up care.
• Lack of Informed Consent:
  • Failure to adequately explain the risks and benefits of a procedure.
  • Failure to obtain proper consent for a procedure.
• Birth Injuries:
  • Injuries to the mother during childbirth that may affect pelvic floor function.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Urogynecologist Lawyer Mark Kopec

This page generally provides a picture of urogynecology and potential medical malpractice claims. If you believe you may have been the victim of urogynecological malpractice, it is crucial to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case and determine the best course of action.

If you have been injured, then visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact us at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.